Northern Ireland Under-21s face Israel on Wednesday with a chance to take a big step towards qualifying for next year's European Championship.Roy Millar's side top their qualifying group by two points from Germany, and are five ahead of Israel, albeit having played twice more than both of them, heading into the clash in Tel Aviv.

Northern Ireland have already played six of their eight games and have just one date with Germany to look forward to after their trip to the Middle East.

Millar is pleased to have the points on the board and, without taking anything for granted, says confidence is high.

Millar said: "Everybody is fit and looking forward to the game.

"It is a double-header at the national stadium with the senior Israel side, there could be a good crowd and the surface is immaculate.

"Everything has gone well so far and there is a great incentive here."

Israel need to win to keep their campaign to reach the finals in Sweden alive and Millar expects them to be strong.

He added: "We have played them four times recently and had some very close encounters with them. They are a good side."

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