Colchester United coach Kevin Horlock believes the unity that is evident within Northern Ireland’s squad can help them progress to the knockout stages of the European Championships.

Michael O’Neill’s side face a crucial Group C showdown with Ukraine in Lyon tonight knowing that a victory is imperative, following their narrow opening-game defeat against Poland.

Horlock, who won 32 international caps for Northern Ireland and also coached their under-21 side, admits their players will have been disappointed to have lost their opening game at the finals.

However, the U’s under-21 coach believes they will be focusing on bouncing back against Ukraine, ahead of their final group game against Germany next Tuesday.

Horlock told the Daily Gazette: “There’ll be disappointment amongst the squad I’m sure after losing to Poland but they will be looking at the Ukraine game as an opportunity to go out and try and get the win.

“I played against Ukraine a couple of times myself during my international career and they’ve always been a strong team who are hard to break down with pace going forward and on the counter attack.

“It’s a game that we have to win but let’s not forget that this is the first time that they have got to the Euros, which was an unbelievable achievement.

“I don’t think many people expected too much from them before the tournament.

“But Michael will certainly expect a lot from them and so will their players.

“I’m sure the aim will be to get out of the group and go from there.

“There’s some fantastic players in the Northern Ireland squad - they’re not full of superstars but there’s plenty of quality there and players who play regularly in the Premier League.

“There’s also a real togetherness and they’re a team that works for each other.”

Horlock coached Northern Ireland’s under-21s during O’Neill’s reign in charge of the senior team and has plenty of respect for the national team’s manager.

“He was in the first few squads I was in as a player and I also knew Michael from when I was under-21 coach with Northern Ireland,” said the former Manchester City and Ipswich Town midfielder.

“He often used to come and speak to the players in the under-21 squad and I was really impressed by his knowledge and his in-depth detail, going into fixtures.

Northern Ireland are currently participating in their first major tournament since the World Cup in Mexico, in 1986.

“I’m pleased for the fans that they’re there at the Euros, because they’re unbelievable,” said Horlock.

“We’ve had some tough fixtures and some tough results over the years but they’ve followed us home and away across Europe and further afield and I think they can make a difference.

“Against Poland, they didn’t stop singing and I’m sure it’ll be the same against Ukraine – it was like a carnival atmosphere.”