STEVEN Davis admits that underdogs Northern Ireland are out to prove people wrong as they head into their first European Championships in 30 years.

The Saints midfielder and Northern Ireland captain reckons that Michael O'Neil's side's Leicester-esque team spirit will help them surprise doubters.

"There's a few similarities in terms of the spirit within the squad. That takes us a long way," Davis said, when asked about comparisons with the newly-crowned Premier League champions.

"We don't have a massive pool of players to choose from, but we're a tight knit group.

"The bond we've built up goes a long way but, who knows, it's a hell of an achievement to even qualify.

"Just to look back how long ago we did it previously.

"We just want to go out there and prove a few people wrong, show people what we're all about and hopefully we can progress."

The Northern Irish begin their Euros warm-up campaign tonight against Belarus at Windsor Park before playing Slovakia a week tomorrow in their final preparation match.

They meet World Cup holders Germany as well as Poland and Ukraine in a fairly tough Group C.

The Windsor Park side are unbeaten in ten games going into the tournament.

Davis said: "At this stage of the season the boys look forward to going away putting their feet up, but I've got a hell of a lot to look forward to and I can't wait to get out there and experience it.

"We've got a great spirit within the team and we're on a good run at this point in time, so hopefully we can continue that in the two friendlies and going into the Euros."

He added: "It's going to be incredible. It's obviously going to be a new experience for everybody in our squad and just want to go out there and embrace it.

"It's going to be a step up and quality from what we've played in qualification, but the biggest thing for us is not to fear it, just go out and enjoy it.

"Hopefully we can show people what we're all about and prove a few people wrong."

Davis will lead his side out at the Stade de Nice in their opening match on June 12 against the Polish.

"It's going to be a great buzz," Davis said. "I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few nerves, but that will be a good thing.

"It's obviously something that all the lads couldn't wait for since we qualified.

"We're just looking forward to getting together and getting the friendlies out the way."