Northern Ireland's record goalscorer David Healy believes footballing success can help unite the country.
Healy is the nation's most beloved player of recent times, having notched an unrivalled 36 goals including the winner against England in 2005 and a hat-trick versus Spain the following year.
But like so many Northern Irishmen over the past 30 years, he never appeared in a major tournament.
He was at Windsor Park to see the current generation seal their place at Euro 2016 with a fine 3-1 win over Greece on Thursday and feels the achievement can have a wider significance for the nation.
Northern Ireland still suffers from damaging divisions, both religious and political, but Healy thinks Michael O'Neill's triumphant squad can make a difference.
"People always talk about all the other crap that goes in Northern Ireland but this is what unites people in the country," he told Press Association Sport.
"Football fans here are incredibly proud people and this has been a long time coming.
"I grew up supporting Northern Ireland and I played for them for many years and I've never experienced anything like this in my lifetime.
"Being here to see this happen has been a pleasure. It's an incredible feeling."
Healy exploits will never be forgotten by the Green and White Army, who took the opportunity to laud their retired hero with a rousing chant in the second half.
"It was a little bit embarrassing if I'm honest," he said.
"To be sitting there on a night like that and have the fans singing my name... it's this team that has put Northern Ireland on the map.
"Steven Davis scored twice and put in a man-of-the-match performance that was nothing short of amazing.
"I can't speak highly enough of him. He doesn't always get the plaudits he should over in England, but I call him the 'ginger maestro'. He's that good."
Source: PA
