Group F Denmark v Northern Ireland: Denmark 0, Northern Ireland 0 Northern Ireland have never reached the finals of the European Championships but, as their manager Lawrie Sanchez hurled his jacket into the green throng in the Parken Stadium on Saturday night after an admirably draining draw in a group spiked with hazards and surprises, it was just possible to believe in the prospect of a historic breakthrough.

"We're in there with a shout," said Keith Gillespie, now the holder of 72 caps garnered over 11 years, many of them drenched in disappointment.

There was nothing outrageous about Gillespie's words but as his captain, Aaron Hughes, magnificent on his 50th cap in a collective defensive display, said: "We're not getting ahead of ourselves."

The recent Northern Irish form of boom-and-bust results is responsible for the caution. But after beating Spain and now holding Denmark, the form is boom-boom.

Beat Latvia on Wednesday in Belfast and it would be seven points from four games and a sense of partial achievement that should sustain the squad and supporters until next March.

Sanchez was understandably upbeat: "We knew Denmark are a very good side and the rankings show that," he said.

"We set out to frustrate them and restrict them to long-range shots. I'm very pleased we managed to chalk up a clean sheet after conceding five goals in the first two games."

It says something of the change that fixtures are now looked at as much for what they may yield as for dangers that lie within.

Hughes is as far from cocksure but even he left Copenhagen enthused about what might be.

"Maybe it is not as much of a shock when we get results like this now," he said.

"We assume we are capable. We know we have a long way to go, we have proved in one-off games we are capable, but we had to get it together consecutively and we have done that.

"I think this is the most belief we have had in the camp since I have been involved.

"The young lads are playing well beyond their years - they are the future of this team already. But you mix that in with experienced lads and you have half a chance. There's a genuine belief."

Given this could have been one of those deflating 1-0 defeats, Hughes's reticence is correct.

The goalkeeper, Maik Taylor, made two fine saves in the second half while Denmark also went close in the first.

But Northern Ireland held firm. Hughes attacked almost every cross and Stephen Craigan was never far behind. Michael Duff played above himself and Johnny Evans again excelled.

Even the alarming six minutes of injury time were negotiated safely. The six in front of the back four also worked tirelessly and, when they could, they tried to pass their way in Danish territory.

It was a long, tough night for David Healy but even without a goal his was a formidable effort. Hughes and Healy typified what Denmark's coach, Morten Olsen, identified in the visitors.

"They are a team that is very proud and fight for every metre," he said. "We gave them a lot of respect; they deserve a lot of respect."

That said, Latvia beat Iceland 4-0 in Riga on Saturday, and Sanchez made the point: "It all means nowt if we lose at home to Latvia. The toughest games are the ones that you have to win."

But a victory and Sanchez will gladly toss another jacket to the fans. He started the salute after Spain in what appeared a farewell gesture but that issue seems to have been suppressed.

"There was a lot said about the last time," Sanchez said.

"I thought it was appropriate this time that I did something similar, to give a gesture. The fans have been fantastic. And I think our sponsors can afford a few jackets."