Jonny Evans admits there is plenty of positivity surrounding the Northern Ireland national team.
Michael O'Neill's men sits fourth in Group F of UEFA qualifying with no chance of progressing to Brazil 2014 but that doesn't mean there isn't a good feeling enveloping the squad as they look ahead to the 2016 European Championship which will see 24 teams competing for the first time rather than 16.
"The extra teams are qualifying in the next campaign and that gives us a big incentive," said the Manchester United defender.
"We need to go back to this campaign, finish as strong as we can and put points on the board. That might have an effect on the seedings and the draw for the next qualifying campaign.
"We're in a good place as a squad. It feels like we have things worked out a bit and if we can continue in that fashion there is that wee bit of hope.
"There is a good spirit among the squad. You hear people saying 'we enjoy it' but we actually are enjoying it. It's a good atmosphere."
