Northern Ireland could be seeing many careers end in France as four players consider how much they can give their country past this season according to the Belfast Telegraph

The main player considering hang up his international boots is Gareth McAuley, the West Bromwich Albion central defender has been a consistent performer for club and country but is unsure whether he can keep going through the qualifying campaign for the World Cup.

Northern Ireland haven’t been involved in a major tournament for 30 years so whatever happens in France McAuley and co will be seen as hero’s back in their homeland just for getting to France.

With their next game at Windsor Park it could be the last for numerous players who have said they will talk to the staff after France as a mark of respect to others to be as concentrated as possible on the competition at hand.