Josh Magennis says Northern Ireland won’t be daunted by the pressure of a penalty shootout if that’s what it takes to overcome Bosnia at Stadion Grbavica.
A sudden death showdown from the spot is a possibility in Thursday night’s make or break tie to decide who progresses to next month’s Euro 2020 playoff final.
The tension would be intense, but Magennis is confident Ian Baraclough’s men will be fully prepared if the two teams can’t be separated after extra-time.
“Penalty shootouts are a roll of the dice and it’s a cruel way to decide a game,” he said. “But it’s all about having confidence in your ability and make sure you’re not indecisive.
“It’s a mad way to decide any game because it’s hyped up and there’s a lot of drama, but if that’s the way it has to be decided, that’s the way it needs to be done.”
As Hull City’s first choice penalty taker, Magennis - who scored three from three from the spot last season - would be certain to step up in Sarajevo.
“It’s a mad situation and one you can practice as much as you want, but until you’re in the firing line, you don’t really know how you’ll react,” he said.
“I’ve taken a few and I’m the penalty taker at Hull, but I know no matter how much you try to replicate the pressure in training, it’s hard.
“The pressure that you face in such a big game is so much heightened, but you’ve just got to go through your routine, trust the process and don’t change your mind.
“It it goes in, happy days. If the keeper saves it, at least you know you’ve done everything you could to put yourself in the best position possible to score.”
