Sometimes you just have to laugh...

Michael O'Neill had to wait 10 matches for his first win back in the day but you'd hope it won't take as long this time around.

San Marino's record in Euros and World qualifying isn't pretty reading, with 149 defeats, three draws and zero wins. They've conceded 696 goals and only scored 20.

They are the worst ranked team in the world and this biggest win in their history was a 1-0 friendly win over Lichtenstein way back in 2004.

Here's some hope for all middle aged footballers everywhere.

Roberto Di Maio is making his international debut a the tender age of 40.

Elia Benedettini could be a busy man between the sticks and Di Maio makes his first start in the back for alongside captain Mirko Palazzi.

San Marino: Benedettini, Fabbri, Di Maio, Rossi, Palazzi, Battistini, Gollnucci, Capicchioni, Lazzari, Nanni, Berardi.

Subs: Simoncini, S Benedettini, D'Addario, Cevoli, Vitaoli, Lunadei, Ceccaroli, Tosi, Rinaldi, Franciosi, Hirsch, Battistini.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill is enjoying seeing some of the new younger players in his squad before their opening Euro 2024 qualifier against San Marino

Mark Sterling
BBC Sport NI in San Marino

This was a Northern Ireland teamsheet with a bit more intrigue about it than normal - and now we know the big calls that manager Michael O'Neill has made.

It's a back three, as all the signs suggested, with Conor Bradley edging Trai Hume for the right wing-back starting berth and Jamal Lewis named on the left in spite of so little game time for Newcastle United.

O'Neill has obviously decided that Shea Charles' inexperience will not hinder him assuming Steven Davis' deep-lying midfield role, with the selection of George Saville beside him perhaps surprising a few fans who felt Jordan Thompson may have got the nod.

The returning NI boss has gone with form up top with Dion Charles - scorer of 18 goals for Bolton this season - selected alongside Conor Washington.

Image source, Press Eye

What's better than one Charles? Two of them!

Shea Charles and Dion Charles both get the nod to start in San Marino.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell starts in goal behind the centre-back trio of captain Craig Cathcart, Daniel Ballard and Ciaron Brown.

Conor Bradley and Jamal Lewis will provide the width and Shea Charles takes up the Steven Davis role in midfield alongside George Saville and Paddy McNair.

Conor Washington has shaken off any injury concerns to start and is partnered by in-form Bolton striker Dion Charles, who is looking for his first Northern Ireland goal.

Northern Ireland: Peacock-Farrell, Bradley, Ballard, Cathcart, Brown, Lewis, S Charles, Saville, McNair, D Charles, Washington.

Subs: Haard, Southwood, Hume, Toal, McGeehan, Ferguson, Price, Goss, Thompson, Taylor, Whyte, Magennis.

We'll have team news in a second, but here are some of the men who won't be featuring this evening.

This doesn't make pretty reading, particularly in midfield...

Mark Sterling
BBC Sport NI in San Marino

Sleepy and picturesque with a hint of curiosity. That's been this reporter's experience of San Marino so far.

The microstate's mountainous backdrop and historic architecture make for a picturesque scene surrounding the stadium.

The green shirts began to appear around parts of the city centre throughout yesterday, with the quantity and volume increasing during today with just over 1,000 understood to have made the trip.

The Green and White Army don't travel quietly and you get the feeling that the quietness that seems to engulf Serravalle will be broken as kick-off approaches and the fans begin to arrive at the ground.

Here is how Group H stacks up ahead of qualifying.

Can Northern Ireland reach the finals?

Godfather II or Jaws II?

(What's the story) Morning Glory or the Second Coming?

Alan Shearer the deadly striker or Alan Shearer the manager?

Some things are just as good the second time round. Sometimes, well, they aren't...

Northern Ireland fans will be hoping good times are just around the corner as Michael O'Neill returns for his second coming.

Good times never seemed so good?

Image source, Press Eye

Michael O'Neill has named former defender Aaron Hughes in his revamped backroom team for his second stint as Northern Ireland manager.

Hughes, who won 112 Northern Ireland caps, and Diarmuid O'Carroll have been brought on board as senior coaches.

David Rouse is NI's new goalkeeping coach while Matthew Crawford will be the team's performance analyst.

Image source, Press Eye

Good omens.

The San Marino Stadium in San Marino is tonight's venue for San Marino v Northern Ireland.

Image source, BBC Sport

Buonasera!

Northern Ireland are back in action and there's a familiar face back at the helm.

Yes, it's the second coming of Michael O'Neill and he begins the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a very winnable fixture away to minnows San Marino.

It's not often you can say Northern Ireland are resounding favourites for a game, but here we are!

You can listen on BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website, and you can follow all the action right here.

You won't miss a thing!