WHAT a great night was had in Belfast when Northern Ireland qualified to go to France for the European Championship finals.

Sam Vokes’ Wales also qualified and that left only Scotland unfortunately back at home.

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My son Jonathan flew to Belfast and back just to see the game and assures me he will be going to France with his big brother for the finals.

He got his tickets from Steve Davis the Southampton player who Jay Rodriguez plays with and I asked Jay to ask Steven and he obliged by getting the tickets.

It is the first time Northern Ireland have reached the finals in 30 years.

I watched it with the family, the support for Northern Ireland is tremendous. I think they have done incredibly well. I am very proud, I have worn the jersey 20-odd times and it still means a lot to see them qualifying.

I think they can surprise a few people next year and I would love to see them do well.

One of the boys in green was our own ex-player Kyle Lafferty.

While starring for Northern Ireland he isn’t getting game time with his club Norwich and my advice is to be patient and take his chance when it comes.

He has great talent which cannot be overlooked for much longer.

It was also great to see Burnley-born Oliver Norwood playing such a key role for Northern Ireland along with ex-Burnley player Chris Baird.

All three have played their part and will hopefully get the chance to represent their country at a major championship next year.

Burnley will be back in action this weekend when they take on Bolton. It is a big week for Burnley with the Bolton game kicking off three in seven days with a trip to Nottingham Forest next Tuesday followed by the big derby game at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers.

Burnley have had a good start to the season and hopefully the week off will have given the players a chance to rest and prepare for three massive games.

They are obviously local derbies against Bolton and Blackburn. These are big matches and the players have to be right.

Nine points from nine would make us look really good and put us right in the mix at the top of the table.

I have to say that the manager has done a tremendous job and I am pleased that Sean Dyche is still at Turf Moor.

There has been a lot of talk about Sunderland being interested in him and I can see why they would want him but for Burnley fans it is great to see him still with the Clarets.

Hopefully he can lead us to another promotion this season.