Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington was not downhearted despite seeing his team given a testing Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.
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The Province face a stiff challenge having been drawn in Group C with world champions Italy, Serbia, Slovenia, Estonia and Faroe Islands.
Worthington said after Sunday's draw in Warsaw: "I think it makes for a very interesting group and I'm absolutely delighted with the draw - I can see teams in that group taking points off each other.
"You want to be tested against the best and Italy are. Serbia are a very good team, we had Slovenia last time in the World Cup qualifiers so we know all about them.
"Brian Kerr is with the Faroe Islands now and knows the British game inside out so that doesn't make it any easier."
Worthington believes concentration will be key to his team's chances of reaching the finals, which Poland will co-host with the Ukraine.
However, the former Blackpool and Norwich manager insisted he is happy with the squad he will take into the tournament.
"We've got to make sure we are switched on. There is plenty to battle for and we've got to make sure we are at our most professional and disciplined so we get the most out of the games.
"The nice thing about the current squad is we have got the same squad going into the next campaign with good experience and good youth. We are looking forward to it."
Worthington acknowledges his team face a tough challenge but believes his side can give a good account of themselves as they target one of the top two positions.
He added: "It will be difficult but we have a fighting spirit and will go into the campaign with great belief."
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