Northern Ireland v Germany

Words Mark McIntosh The Sun

TAKING A MAJOR SCALP IS THE AIM

Conor Washington has already played a huge role in Northern Ireland’s perfect start to the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

He came off the bench to help inspire a win over Estonia in June and since his summer switch to Hearts he has hit the goal trail, banishing frustrating spells in front of goal at QPR and Sheffield United. “Hearts are a massive club and everything about the move has been great so far,” said Washington. “I’m still finding my feet in what is a very different league to anything I’ve played in before but scoring against Motherwell and Celtic so early has been great. “To be honest I probably should have scored a few more but for any striker getting off the mark is always good. “The most important thing is results and I believe they will come for us this season.”

He revealed last season was enjoyable at Sheffield United as the Blades got promoted to the Premier League. But he also admitted: “It was frustrating not playing, because that’s what any player wants to do, and not scoring. “I’m playing again now though and hopefully I can repay the faith the likes of Austin MacPhee and Michael O’Neill have put in me.” O’Neill is a huge admirer of the ex-Peterborough United ace and Washington admits the international boss has been a big help during the tough times at club level. “Michael has been brilliant for my career. He has always been there when things weren’t going as well as I’d like and has shown great faith in me.