Craigan wants strong start

Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan believes it is imperative Northern Ireland hit the ground running in their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

Craigan, set to win his 50th cap on Friday against Slovenia in Maribor, is dismayed at the team's slow starts.

However, he knows the hosts, who defeated them 2-0 at the same venue two years ago on the way to reaching the World Cup finals, will again provide tough opposition.

Craigan said: "We have started the last few campaigns badly, but seem to gather momentum halfway through.

"But if we could begin well and carry it on, we would give ourselves a better chance."