Jonny Flynn has been given the responsibility of trying to lead Northern Ireland Under-21s to a memorable victory on Friday night.The talented Blackburn defender will wear the captain's armband for the final, crucial European Championship qualifier away to Germany.
Only a win will do if the province are to have any hopes at all of advancing to the play-off stage of the competition ahead of the finals in Sweden next year.
Manager Steve Beaglehole is aware of the stiff challenge ahead but is pleased with the progress they are making.
He also believes Flynn is the right type to galvanise the players.
"Jonny is very passionate about his country, you can see that when he pulls the shirt on," said Beaglehole, a coach at League One side Leicester.
"He sets good standards both on and off the field.
"I like centre-halves being captains as they can see the whole picture and he has leadership qualities.
"No disrespect to the other lads, he stands out and is growing into the role."
Germany seemed set for top place in the Group Nine table, only to suffer a shock defeat by Moldova last month. The Germans now sit level on 13 points with Israel, with the Irish a point further back.
Beaglehole added: "It would be fantastic if we were to go on and qualify. But we have to be realistic. We only have an outside chance of progressing.
"We all know how strong Germany and are they cannot afford to be complacent after what happened against Moldova."
