Michael O’Neill says his Northern Ireland players are under “no illusions” that victory is the priority in their final Nations League match in Luxembourg.
Northern Ireland only require a draw to secure top spot in Group C3 and earn promotion to League B.
It has been a strong campaign for O’Neill’s side, who have won three of their five matches.
“They are under no illusions that is what we are here to do,” O’Neill said on earning promotion with a victory in Luxembourg.
“We’re looking forward to the game. It’s a beautiful new stadium in Luxembourg and the pitch looks fantastic.”
Luxembourg are bottom of the group with two points from their five matches to date, but O’Neill feels that is not a “fair reflection of where they are as a team”.
“They are a good footballing team and have some good players who are at a good level at good clubs in Europe.
“This Nations League has been a bit harsh on them, results-wise but their performances have been good.
“I’ve known their coach for a long time so I know how he wants his team to play.
“I think this will be as tough as any of the games that we have had.”
Northern Ireland head into the game off the back of a 2-0 win over Belarus in Belfast on Friday, when Dan Ballard and Dion Charles scored the goals.
While O’Neill said there were “some aspects” his side can improve, he was pleased with the patience shown by his youthful squad at Windsor Park.
Northern Ireland have no fresh injury concerns heading into Monday’s match, with Justin Devenny, who made his Premier League debut for Crystal Palace the week before the international break, fit again after a hamstring strain.
However, O’Neill will be without suspended centre back Ciaron Brown after the defender was booked for time wasting against Belarus.
O’Neill questioned the “impulsive, strange decision” from the referee, but says his squad have the ability to adapt despite missing Brown and injured defenders Eoin Toal and Paddy McNair.
“We’ve dealt with the loss of centre backs. We’ve lost Jonny [Evans] and Craig [Cathcart] in recent years, who were a big part of our team,” he added.
“We’ve seen the emergence of Dan Ballard and Eoin Toal, and Paddy McNair has played in that position a lot more now.
“Trai [Hume] can play in there and we’ve now a situation where we have Brodie Spencer, Kofi Balmer and young Ruairi McConville to choose from.
“If we can get through these games and we’re without three of our options at centre back then it’s a good sign of where we are going as a squad.”
