Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill warned of the danger of Robert Lewandowski on Saturday (11th June) ahead of their Group C match against Poland in the European Championships.

Northern Ireland, who topped their group to qualify for the European Championship, enter the competition on the back of a 12-game unbeaten run. Better than anybody else competing at Euro 2016.

They face Poland in Nice in their opening match in Group C on Sunday (12th June).

The Eastern Europeans will present a stiff challenge against a squad who draws many of its players from the lower leagues of English football.

Northern Ireland will rely on its experienced defence to cope with Poland's star striker Robert Lewandowski, who Northern Ireland manager Michael
O'Neill described as one of the best two in the world.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Michael O'Neill, Northern Ireland manager
"I think (Poland's Robert) Lewandowski is the talisman. He is something similar than for instance Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in the Swedish team. He is a huge player with a big personality and the captain of the team. But we've done lot of work on the whole team. We know their strength and we know their weaknesses."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Michael O'Neill, Northern Ireland manager
"As I said we expect a very very tough game (against Poland). We know that the first games are always crucial in the tournaments. I think we have the same level of respect for Poland that hopefully they have for us."
Northern Ireland captain, Stephen Davis says he can't wait to get going tomorrow.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Steven Davis, Northern Ireland captain
"Spirits are very high. The moods relaxed and considering the position that we are in - I think it's always the way it is. We've got good characters in the squad to keep the mood relaxed. So I think the excitement is building and I am sure there will be a few nerves before the game. That just comes from the stage we are playing on and we can't wait to get started."
Northern Ireland fans have arrived in droves to the French Riviera city of Nice ahead of the game.