Warren Feeney is delighted by Northern Ireland's successful start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

The Latics striker played the whole match as they kicked off their programme with a surprise win away to Slovenia.

Feeney said: "It was a great win bearing in mind Slovenia qualified for the World Cup and they are a decent side and ranked 19th in the world.

"We played them in the World Cup qualifying campaign when we won at Windsor Park and lost away and knew it would be a hard game and that we would have to soak up a lot of pressure.

"We went to Slovenia confident in our own ability and believing we could take something from the game."

Feeney is now looking forward to next month's qualifier against Italy, one of Europe's giants, in Belfast.

He continued: "Our home form is good when you look at some of the big countries we have beaten like England, Spain, Denmark, Sweden and Slovernia and drawn against Portugal and we have had some great games at Windsor Park.

"We are not frightened of Italy and it is a game we are looking forward to, though we know it will be hard.

"What a game it will be to play in providing I am selected as Italy are past winners of both the World Cup and Euros.

"They are still one of the best nations in the world, despite their poor showing at the World Cup, and it is a game I am looking forward to."

Feeney added he was surprised how Italy flopped at the World Cup and, despite that disapppointment, he says they still have some great players with midfield man Daniele De Rossi somebody he admires.

He also pointed out that Italy won't be relishing visiting Windsor Park.

Feeney said: "We may only have a 14,500 capacity but we have a passionate crowd and they make as much noise as 80,000 elsewhere.

"Our fans have been voted best in the world and it will be quite an atmosphere."