SAINTS midfielder Steven Davis will aim to lead Northern Ireland to within touching distance of a first ever European Championship place tonight.

Michael O'Neill's team have so far enjoyed a wonderful Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, and it is one that could be about to get even better.

Northern Ireland, who are currently second in Group F, with 12 points from five games, will leapfrog leaders Romania this evening if they can beat them in Belfast (7.45pm).

That would make qualification for next summer's tournament, in France, a real likelihood, while even a draw will keep their destiny in their own hands.

Northern Ireland have never qualified for the Euros in their history, while they have not taken part in any major tournament since the 1986 World Cup.

Davis said: “I think it’s great to be in a position in a June qualifier that we can go and really stamp our mark on the campaign and try to put ourselves that step closer."

Standing in Davis' way tonight could be one of his club colleagues, with centre-back Florin Gardos part of the Romania squad that is heading to Windsor Park.

Elsewhere, Saints striker Shane Long is also facing a huge Euro 2016 qualifier, as Republic of Ireland host Scotland, in Dublin (5pm).

The clash has enormous implications in Group D, where just three points separate the top four sides.

Currently, Scotland are third, while Ireland are two points behind them, in fourth.

A loss for Long's team, who were beaten 1-0 at Celtic Park earlier in the campaign, could be fatal for their hopes of qualifying, as they look to keep pace not only with the Scots, but leaders Poland and Germany.

The forward may have to play a bigger role than anticipated tonight, with fellow striker Robbie Keane's availability uncertain, due to a second family tragedy in the space of a few days.

The country's record scorer will decide today if he is mentally ready to play, following the death of his cousin, Alan Harris, 34, on Wednesday, after being overcome by toxic fumes while working in a sewer in Portmarnock, and the news yesterday morning that Alan's brother, Stephen, who was left fighting for his life after the incident, had lost his own battle.

Jose Fonte will be looking to help Portugal maintain their grip on top spot in Group I, as they visit bottom-placed side Armenia (5pm).

Filip Djuricic is in action in the same group, as Serbia, who are second bottom with one point from four games, travel to second-placed Denmark in a match they simply must win.

Two Saints stars are also in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying action today, as the road to the 2017 tournament begins.

First up is Emmanuel Mayuka, who is with Zambia for their home game against Guinea-Bissau (4pm).

That is followed by Sadio Mane, who is likely to start for Senegal in their home match against Burundi (8pm).

Tomorrow sees Victor Wanyama play for Kenya in their home AFCON qualifier against Congo (3.30pm).