Northern Ireland head into the international break buoyed by genuine signs of progress, despite a frustrating draw with Georgia denying them a perfect set of results. Four points from the double-header added to their tally, leaving Michael O'Neill's side with eight points from four games this campaign.
According to BBC News, O'Neill described the recent international window as "one of the most enjoyable" of his time in charge, pointing to the team's overall performances rather than just results. The Georgia stalemate was the one blemish on an otherwise encouraging run, but O'Neill's comments suggest he sees it as part of a broader upward trajectory rather than a setback.
With momentum building and confidence growing within the squad, Northern Ireland will look to carry this form into their next set of fixtures as they continue chasing a positive outcome in their qualifying group.