Wednesday 12 November 2014 16:57, UK
Northern Ireland winger Niall McGinn has praised the role played by Arsenal in helping them reach the top of the European Qualifying Group F Table.
None of Arsene Wenger’s players feature in the squad but the Irish Football Association has an agreement with Arsenal to use the club’s facilities in preparation for away games.
When the fixtures came out with the three tough away games early on I think you would look at 10 points from four games and grab it with both hands.
Michael O’Neill’s side did so before their opening victory away to Hungary and after subsequent wins against Faroe Islands and Greece, they will again train at Arsenal ahead of Friday night's game in Romania.
The Northern Ireland squad is made up of players from all four divisions of the English game as well as the Scottish Premier League and Aberdeen winger McGinn is among those who has benefited from the agreement.
"It's been great to have the chance to train at Arsenal, it helps bring a real buzz to the week," he said.
"The likes of myself and some of the other lads don't get the chance to use facilities like that every day so it's something to enjoy and to cherish when you do.
"The base is light years ahead of most of the Scottish league in all fairness. There's probably only half a dozen SPL teams who have their own training ground.
"Aberdeen don't have their own, we report to the stadium then train at different facilities."
Despite a perfect record so far, including the away victories in Hungary and Greece, McGinn admits he would be delighted to secure a draw at second-placed Romania.
That would ensure Northern Ireland remain in top spot heading into the new year and continue their stunning start to qualification.
"When the fixtures came out with the three tough away games early on I think you would look at 10 points from four games and grab it with both hands," he added.
It's been great to have the chance to train at Arsenal, it helps bring a real buzz to the week.
"It would be a dream start. We believed in ourselves and the performances and results have come.
"It's great to be a part of it because it puts our nation on the map."
Watch Romania v Northern Ireland on Sky Sports 2HD this Friday. Coverage begins at 7:30pm.
