Nottingham Forest's Jamie Ward going to Euro 2016 with Northern Ireland

Jun 05, 2016, 01:27
Nottingham Forest's Jamie Ward going to Euro 2016 with Northern Ireland

As far as tournament warm-ups go, this was a ideal night for Northern Ireland, who also managed to avoid both injuries and a possible suspension ahead of Saturday, when O'Neill will announce his final 23-man squad for the Euros.

Former players Pat Jennings, Billy Hamilton and Peter McParland all shared their memories from Northern Ireland's previous World Cup finals campaigns in 1958, 1982 and 1986 before O'Neill arrived on stage.

Belarus provided Northern Ireland with just the gentle work-out they needed in their last game at Windsor Park before they head to their pre-Euro training camp in Austria on Monday.

And Grigg - whose 28 goals helped fire Latics to the League One title - is champing at the bit to prove he's worthy of a squad number.

Northern Ireland will be going to France this summer, their first appearance at a major tournament finals for 30 years and a debut showing in the European Championship.

Hodson was chosen in the squad for that game but did not play.

Grigg, who scored in Friday night's 3-0 friendly win over Belarus, beat Boyce and McKay to the final striker berth.

Strikers Kyle Lafferty and Conor Washington struck in the first half before substitute Will Grigg lived up to the chant which circulated around the stadium throughout with a maiden goal late on. In terms of whether it is my last, I have not made up my mind on that one yet, ” McAuley admitted to the Belfast Telegraph.

"Will just kept scoring, has 28 goals, is in a good place and his club has been promoted".

Fellow defenders Aaron Hughes and Chris Baird and veteran goalkeeper Roy Carroll are also thought to be considering their futures for Northern Ireland.

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