Whether Northern Ireland are good enough to reach the World Cup in Russia in two years’ time remains uncertain but their quest was imbued with vitality following this industrious, lively win over lacklustre Azerbaijan.

In a sense, here lay the first real examination of how Michael O’Neill’s side can deal with heightened expectations since that memorable, unforgettable summer at Euro 2016.

Increasing aspirations accompany such success and, inevitably, there were demands to deliver – all the team goals to date had come in a 4-0 win against the minnows of San Marino, a result that came between a 0-0 draw with the Czech Republic and a 2-0 loss to Germany.

Goals from Kyle Lafferty and Gareth McAuley in the first half, and Conor McLaughlin and Chris Brunt later on, epitomised efficiency and professionalism. This is the kind of evening O’Neill can readily identify as textbook stuff, the first three breakthroughs coming from set plays.

On a sodden Windsor Park surface, a fixture against Robert Prosinecki’s in-form Azerbaijan team was a test of nerve. Failure to launch, in front of an expectant sell-out crowd would likely signal Group C struggles. Now, sitting second, behind the overwhelming favourites Germany, they are in a good place.

Northern Ireland’s continued momentum will undoubtedly satisfy O’Neill. He enjoyed a better outcome than the last time Azerbaijan visited Belfast – a draw four years ago when the then struggling manager was subject of intense scrutiny.

A qualification pathway is beginning to gently appear for the Irish. O’Neill’s forensic approach – having had extra time with the squad – paid off and, with their handy group position secured for the moment, he has approximately four months to plan for an encounter with Norway. Northern Ireland, with their steely home form, are entitled to a significant dose of quiet optimism.

The emphatic manner of the win was fully endorsed by O’Neill, who also paid tribute to the now injury-free Brunt.

“It was a good night. We couldn’t have asked for more,” said the Northern Ireland manager. “We’ve had a good start to the group. We now have a massive game in March and if we win we would put a good distance between ourselves and Norway.

“That’s what we have to aim to do. Once you get to 10 points then you’re within touching distance of getting enough points to qualify. The manner of the victory is very encouraging and we’ve only conceded goals to Germany. There have been a lot of positives in this campaign.

“Azerbaijan are very organised and the coach has had a lot of good results so far. We made it a very British-style game and ultimately the quality of the goals was very emphatic.

“We were excellent defensively and there was concern over Chris Brunt’s early injury. But we saw what a top player Chris is, especially after coming back from a cruciate knee injury. I’m delighted for him.”

It was somewhat surprising that Azerbaijan were diffident but it was really all about the verve and belief that is coursing through Northern Ireland these days. Reaching the Euros in France could be, after all, not the glass ceiling for this squad.

The character within was illustrated by Brunt. The West Bromwich Albion man came in for his first appearance since October 2015, and not even a bandaged head from an early collision could impede a man-of-the-match re-emergence. A fizzing shot from range late on crowned a personal night of validation.

Lafferty got matters off to a fine start with a casual sweep of his right foot in the 27th minute, and after McAuley’s trademark bullet header towards the end of the first half, it was increasingly clear there was no way back for the Azeris. Another header by right-back McLaughlin served to confirm complete dominance.

Prosinecki, meanwhile, admitted it had been a bleak night for Azerbaijan. “We tried hard to play but we had problems,” the coach said. “Northern Ireland scored their goals from set pieces and they made it hard for us. It is up to us to work hard and improve next year.

“It was a disappointing performance but they were silly goals to give away.

“Northern Ireland are a very good team and have played together for a long time. Germany are obvious favourites and will win the group. Northern Ireland are compact, organised and play well from set pieces. But there is all to play for.”

O’Neill also noted that “spirits are high”. That looks like an understatement.