Ian Baraclough admits the prospect of an All-Ireland Euro 2020 play-off is "mouth-watering".
The former Sligo Rovers boss was named the new Northern Ireland manager last month and is aiming to guide his side to next summer's rescheduled tournament.
The north face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off semi-finals on October 8 and will take on the winners of the Republic of Ireland's clash with Slovakia in the decider on November 12.
Baraclough believes an All-Ireland clash would be something everyone - north and south - could look forward to.
He told RTÉ Radio 1's Sunday Sport: "There's a good few games before that.
"Definitely it does seem a long way off when you look at those games.
"We have to be aware of the games that are being played by other teams that we could possibly meet along the way. So those games will be watched, for sure.
"Our focus is on Romania, and then at home to Norway in September, and then we move onto the (play-off) semi-final.
"It's mouth-watering. It's something that whole of Ireland - north and south - can hopefully look forward to. Let's hope that by November the crowds are allowed to come back.
"Even if it's not a full house, Windsor Park would be buzzing if there was some fans allowed in.
"Unusual circumstances that somebody comes into a new job, taking over a team that's been doing well in recent years.
"And you're only two games away from reaching the Euros. Now there's three other teams in our little section that are desperate to do the same.
"It sounds so close, but there's going to be a lot of hard work put in to make those Euros."
