Northern Ireland defender Stephen Craigan believes the Brian Kerr factor could give the Faroe Islands a lift when the teams meet on Tuesday in a Euro 2012 qualifier.
The former Republic of Ireland boss saw his side suffer their fourth successive defeat in the campaign when they lost 5-1 to Slovenia. That came on the night Northern Ireland made it four points on the board with a goalless draw against 2006 world champions Italy.
However, Craigan claims it would be foolish to dismiss the Faroes as no-hopers, and said: "With Brian Kerr in charge, it could give them more of an edge. He will know more about our players than we do about his and more about the system we are going to play. It will definitely help them. He will be trying to get one over us... south v north if you like."
He added: "He has taken a big job on with the Faroes. All he has done is enhance his reputation. He had a tough time as Republic manager but he will want to bounce back and have the last laugh.
"In my time we have never had four points from the first two games in a qualifying campaign.
"We have to make sure we go and do all the hard work. We have to remember what got us those points."
Source: PA
