Washington warns Bosnians to beware 'wounded animal' in play-off semi-final

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Conor Washington

Q Radio Sport

Conor Washington has warned Bosnia and Herzegovina they will be facing a "wounded animal" when Northern Ireland travel to Sarajevo for Thursday's Euro 2020 qualifying play-off semi-final.

Ian Baraclough's side are coming off a 5-1 hiding at home to Norway last month, while they have unhappy memories of facing the Bosnians two years ago when they suffered home and away defeats despite dominating at Windsor Park and hitting the post twice on the road.

But although the results went against them, Washington says the performances gave Northern Ireland confidence.

"If you look at those two games and the performances, especially in the home game we created a lot of chances and should have been two or three up," he said. "I looked on from the bench and we were brilliant.

"We just need to put in another performance like that and get back to playing the way we know we can.

"These one-off games have always suited us and as a group we are really looking forward to it.

"Last month's results weren't great and we are feeling like a wounded animal. We want to put in a good performance that the fans can be proud of."

"There's real competition for places," Washington said. "Laff is back up and running in Italy and me and Josh have played four or five games and got some goals between us.

"Competition only breeds success and we need that to push each other on in training. Whoever gets tasked with the job has got to put in a performance."


Conor Washington says Northern Ireland have a point to prove in the Euro play-off.

Victory on Thursday would set up a home final against either the Republic of Ireland or Slovakia next month for a place at the rearranged Euro 2020 finals next year.

Washington is among the senior players in the squad hoping to reach a second major tournament on the back of Euro 2016, with memories of that summer helping fuel the motivation.

"I say to everyone that asks, it is easily the proudest and most enjoyable moment of my career so far," Washington said.

"To be able to do it again with this group, and for the fans as well, and hopefully they'd be there as well, it would just be incredible to be honest.

"It's indescribable how good a trip that was, and how enjoyable it was."

The Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

A member of the Republic of Ireland's backroom staff has tested positive for coronavirus.

They've now gone into self-isolation, along with two others who they came into contact with.

All three are asymptomatic and all other staff and players have tested negative for Covid-19.

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