Michael O'Neill believes the expectation on Russia to perform under Fabio Capello provides Northern Ireland with an opportunity to cause an upset in Friday's World Cup qualifier between the sides.
Russia are regarded as one of the strongest teams in Group F, along with Portugal, and will be determined to make it through to the finals in Brazil after appointing Capello to replace Dick Advocaat
following a disappointing showing at Euro 2012.
following a disappointing showing at Euro 2012.
Northern Ireland manager O'Neill is under no illusions as to the size of the task awaiting his men in Moscow, but is determined to make a fast start.
manager O'Neill is under no illusions as to the size of the task awaiting his men in Moscow, but is determined to make a fast start.
He hopes to take advantage of any extra pressure that might be on Russia in Capello's first competitive match at the helm, with a home clash against Luxembourg to follow next week.
"I think the expectation will obviously be very high on Russia," O'Neill told Sky Sports News.
"They had a disappointment at the Euros and there is a very high-profile coach going in, so we have to try and use that to our advantage.
"We have to try and make life difficult for Russia and see how they deal with that level of expectation, and that will be a key factor in how we approach the game."
O'Neill added: "We want to take as much out of the campaign as we can and obviously getting off to a good start with a good performance, and hopefully a positive result, will help us as we progress.
"With the second game on Tuesday it is important that what happens on Friday night doesn't damage us in relation to the game on Tuesday."
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