Colchester United academy coach Kevin Horlock was part of the last Northern Ireland side to avoid defeat against Germany - and is hoping for a similar outcome tonight when the two nations go head to head again at the European Championships.

Horlock played his part in Northern Ireland's 1-1 draw against the Germans in Nuremberg back in November, 1996 where they took the lead through Gerry Taggart only for Andreas Moller to equalise soon after.

Horlock helped Northern Ireland come away with a draw that night in their World Cup qualifier against the newly-crowned European champions and walked off with Moller's shirt.

Now the two countries are preparing to go head to head again at the Parc des Princes (kick-off 5pm), as they bid to advance to the next round of the competition.

He said: “I’ve been lucky enough to play against Germany a couple of times for Northern Ireland and one of those was in Nuremberg which ended in a 1-1 draw.

“It was their first game back in Germany after they won Euro 96 and no-one gave us a chance – we were seen as lambs to the slaughter.

“We went 1-0 up through Gerry Taggart but they equalised soon after through Andreas Moller.

“But we dug in well and stayed compact to get the draw and it was a fantastic night.”

Horlock is hoping that Northern Ireland can follow up their excellent 2-0 win over Ukraine last week with another win, which would ensure progress to the last 16 from Group C.

A draw would also be enough to see them go through and even a defeat might be enough as it could see them advance as one of the best third-placed sides, depending on other results.

“It didn’t surprise me that Northern Ireland beat Ukraine last week," said Horlock, who made 32 appearances for his country.

“Michael O’Neill is a student of the game and he knows the players inside out.

“He constantly wants more from his players and they have responded.

“I thought that they were brilliant in that game and although the Germany match will be a very difficult one, you can never say never.

“The reaction in Northern Ireland to how the team are doing has been incredible.”