Washington guides N Ireland thru
AFP
AFP, BELFAST: Northern Ireland made it a record 10 matches unbeaten as Conor Washington underlined his case for a place at Euro 2016 with the goal that clinched a 1-0 friendly win over Slovenia on Monday.
Washingtons first half strike and Milivoje Novakovics missed penalty at Windsor Park made Michael ONeills side the first in Northern Ireland history to go 10 games without losing as they surpassed the runs of nine without defeat set twice in the 1980s under Billy Bingham.
It is Binghams famous teams who ONeills group have made a habit of emulating after their shock qualification for this years European Championships took Northern Ireland to a first major tournament since the 1986 World Cup.
As Northern Ireland prepare for their first ever appearance at the European Championships, which starts against Poland on June 12, Washington is suddenly in contention to make the flight to France following his dream home debut.
The England-born QPR striker, who qualifies for Northern Ireland through his grandmother, only made his senior international debut on Thursday after being called up for the first time last week.
Washington was playing for non-league outfit St Ives just four years ago, but his clinical finish and effervescent performance have given ONeill food for thought as he fine-tunes his squad.
After last weeks creditable 1-1 draw against Wales in Cardiff, ONeill made four changes as Peterborough defender Michael Smith made his debut.
Slovenia missed out on the Euros, but still possessed enough attacking quality to open up the Irish defence when Josip Ilicic cleverly stepped over a through ball, allowing Roman Bezjak space to drive his shot into the side-netting.
