Martin O'Neill alongside his opposite number from the Northern Ireland side, Michael O'Neill, was named the Philips Manager of the Month award for November, and was in great form as he looked ahead to the Euros.
With the draw taking place this Saturday, Martin O'Neill was both looking ahead to the tournament that will dominate the summer of 2016 here at home, but also back on the amazing journey that has taken them there.
Speaking to Oisin Langan as he accepted the award, it was clear that the pivotal point, and something that kept coming up in the interview, was the Scotland game.
"Once the draw had been achieved by Scotland, I think they felt that they were almost there. I felt differently [...] nothing is won until that final whistle of the final game. Our big victory against Germany gave us that belief that we could do it".
Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
"I think that there was confidence in the group, and I think that they felt after the Scotland game that [...] that was it". However, he highlighted the important role that the supporters had played in helping the team bounce back: "I don't think that the people had given up, I never lost faith. There was still plenty of confidence about the team".
He did hint that the style of play that his side will adopt at the Euros may well need to change, however, saying that "sometimes in tournament football when you're there, say the conditions are hot, in terms of pressing, that might be a wee bit more difficult to continue".
He added that given that they don't yet know where they will be based or what the conditions there will be like, his team will be "pressing when we have to press, but maybe it might be less than we would be able to do at home in the Aviva".
While O'Neill was keeping his cards close to his chest in terms of selection, he did openly state that the door is not closed when it comes to new players forcing their way into the squad before the plane takes off for France.
"Of course, you're delighted with the people that got you there in the first place, but I think it would be foolish to turn around and say 'this is it'".
"We've got some matches coming up now [...] and some of these players [like Harry Arter] will get that opportunity. I know that there's pressure on them then to do well, but that's what life's about".
You can listen to the full interview below:
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