Northern Ireland can win the lot, reckons Kyle Lafferty

Northern Ireland’s last-16 date with Wales in Paris is not being viewed as a French farewell for Kyle Lafferty as he thinks Michael O’Neill’s men can go all the way.

The teams meet at the Parc des Princes having both progressed through the group stages in their first European Championships, though Wales did so as winners while O’Neill’s team advanced as one of the best third-placed sides. That means the Welsh will arrive in the French capital as favourites to end the Northern Irish run, yet striker Lafferty holds belief they will not be returning to Britain and Ireland first.

“We played against Wales three or four months ago, we know about their players,” Lafferty said of the 1-1 draw contested in March. It’s going to be a tough game, they’ve got some world-class players but with our heart and determination we honestly believe we can go on and beat anyone.