Faroe Islands manager Lars Olsen, who knows plenty about unexpected success at the European Championship, believes Northern Ireland could be surprise qualifiers in 2016.
Olsen was the Denmark captain when they defied the odds to lift the trophy in 1992 but the prospect of taking his current charges to a major tournament is even more remote.
For Northern Ireland, though, the dream of a first ever appearance at the Euros is beginning to look attainable.
Michael O'Neill's men followed up their 2-1 win in Hungary with a comfortable 2-0 home win over the Faroes on Saturday and top Group F ahead of their trip to Greece.
And Olsen told Press Association Sport: "The results in the group have been good for Northern Ireland and maybe they can qualify.
"In Hungary they were very good and at home they play very well.
"Greece is still the strongest team in this group, despite a slow start, but to have six points already is good for Northern Ireland - you cannot take that start away from them."
The scoreline at Windsor Park, as well as a Roy Carroll penalty save, suggested a closer contest than it was.
Goals from Gareth McAuley and Kyle Lafferty put the hosts two ahead inside 20 minutes and although there was no addition to that, it was one way traffic throughout the game.
"We congratulate them on the win, they were the better team, especially in the first half," said Olsen.
"They were physical and quick on the ball and they were probably satisfied with 2-0.
"They killed the match in 20 minutes."
Source: PA
