Baird draws inspiration from golf star McIlroy

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 04th September 2015 Photo by William Cherry

Northern Ireland's Chris Baird celebrates defeating the Faroe Islands in Friday nights UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier at the Torsvollur stadium in Torshavn. — Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 04th September 2015 Photo by William Cherry Northern Ireland's Chris Baird celebrates defeating the Faroe Islands in Friday nights UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier at the Torsvollur stadium in Torshavn.

“Rory McIlroy was just saying that he and the whole nation are fully behind us, supporting us and that we’ve done amazingly to qualify,” Baird said.

“He said to go out and enjoy it. He’s going to be coming to one of the games and he was at the Greece game when we finally qualified.

“You look back and think Rory McIlroy is supporting us, he’s one of the biggest names in sport and it’s fantastic to have. It’s nice to have those people supporting us for a change.

“When the golf’s on I like to watch it and watch him. For him to then come and watch us and finally see a team qualify for the European Championships is fantastic for all of us and for him personally, I’m sure.”

McIlroy intends to be in Paris when Northern Ireland face Germany.

Baird also dedicatesdthe country’s appearance at the Euro 2016 finals to the fans “for all the tough years they have had in the past”.

“We have always had the backing of the fans in huge numbers, both at home and away they have come to support us, win, lose or draw,” said the Derby County player.