1990/91 – Having failed to qualify for Italia ’90, Billy Bingham stayed on as manager. Northern Ireland began Euro 1992 qualifying, relying on veterans like Mal Donaghy, Alan McDonald, and goalkeeper Pat Jennings in his final years. Results were mixed, and they finished well off the pace.
1992/93 – In 1994 World Cup qualifying, Northern Ireland showed flashes of quality. The highlight came in November 1993 with a famous 1–1 draw against Spain at Windsor Park. Players like Iain Dowie and Gerry Taggart emerged, but inconsistency meant they finished fourth in their group, missing out on USA ’94.