Northern Ireland head coach Michael O'Neill paid tribute to the team for buying into his philosophy after they sealed their place at next summer's European Championship.

Two goals from captain Steven Davis, either side of Josh Magennis's header, lifted Northern Ireland to a 3-1 win over Greece on a historic night at Windsor Park.

After leading the nation to their first major finals since the 1986 World Cup, O'Neill was quick to hail his players, saying: "It's an amazing feeling.

"We prepared the team well, there's no doubt about that, the players deserve an enormous amount of credit because they have to buy into that and we built a really tight unit in the squad.

"But that's down to the players. We've got confidence, we've got belief and that comes down to winning games."

O'Neill, whose side will finish top of Group F if they claim a point in Finland on Sunday night, also had warm words for his skipper Davis.

The Southampton midfielder opened the scoring by stabbing home in the 35th minute before heading in just before the hour mark to get the celebrations well under way in Belfast.

O'Neill said: "There's all types of captains, but for me Steven epitomises everything you want in a captain: he takes responsibility on the pitch, he drives the team forward, he's an example in terms of how he is as a professional, how he is as a person.

"I didn't expect him to score an 18-yard header if I'm honest, but I'm delighted for him to get the goal because in my opinion he's one of the most under-rated players in the Premier League, he's a top, top, top player and he showed that again tonight."

Skipper Davis was at his inspirational best and he himself admitted Northern Ireland were "desperate" to guarantee qualification in front of their own fans in Belfast.

"It was a magnificent night and we couldn't have asked for it to go any better," he said.

"It's a dream come true. We were aware it could have gone to Sunday, we were prepared for that, but we really wanted to get it done tonight.

"No better place to do it in front of our fans who have pushed us all along this campaign.

"If you need motivation for this then there's a problem. I think all the lads were desperate to get ourselves (to France). It's a huge achievement for the squad and the country and we're going to enjoy tonight and then look forward to Sunday."

Davis praised O'Neill, adding: "He's been unbelievable since he came in, just his preparation and attention to detail, everything that he's done you can see we're a well organised side, everyone knows their roles and that's testament to the work that he's done since he came in and I'm delighted for him and all the staff as well."