Northern Ireland v Bosnia

in the scoreless draw in Basel, a result that confirmed a 1-0 aggregate win for the Swiss, who qualified for the finals in Russia. “We did really well in Basel and were just a fraction short of being at the World Cup,” said Saville. The midfielder also revealed he holds special memories of his debut against the Germans. “That is the one that stands out as a highlight for me and it always will,” he said. “At the time it doesn’t really sink in, however it’s quite surreal to think I made my international debut against Germany, the reigning world champions at that time. “I can remember getting warmed up and preparing to come on, but it’s just surreal looking back. To make my debut against these superstars of world football was incredible. “It will always be special to say I made my debut against the Germans in Belfast as opposed to away to - no disrespect - a smaller nation.” Saville, who recently joined Boro from Millwall (initially on a loan deal but set to become permanent in January), is relishing today’s Nations League kick-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Playing in a three-team group that also includes Austria, UEFA’s new-look competition offers a potential, if slightly complicated and circuitous, backdoor route to Euro 2020. “It is slightly confusing, I’m not going to lie,” smiled Saville. “I’m probably one of the ones that doesn’t understand it fully, but we’ve just got to take it game by game. “We’ve got to concentrate on Bosnia and Herzegovina and do what we can to get off to a positive start. Our focus is on trying to win games of football. “If we look after that then the system will look after itself. Bosnia will be tough opponents, however Michael will ensure we’ve done our homework. We will be fully prepared.”

Position Central Midfielder Date Of Birth 01.06.1993 Place Of Birth Camberley GEORGE SAVILLE

MIDFIELDER

Height 176cm Weight 73kg

Caps 5 Goals 0 INTERNATIONAL RECORD 20 Debut 05.10.17 v Germany (H) Lost 1-3 SQUAD NO CLUBS Chelsea 40 Wolverhampton Wanderers 50 Bristol City (loan) 7 Millwall (loan) 12 Millwall 44 Middlesbrough (loan) 0 32 SQUAD NO CLUB RECORD 0 3 Millwall (loan) Brentford (loan)

19

www.irishfa.com