Northern Ireland v Luxembuourg (05/09/2024)

“I dropped one of those man of the match awards during a Sky TV interview and the footage of that has, of course, been sent to me goodness knows how many times, but like I’ve said a few times I’d rather drop the award than the ball when I’m on the pitch!” Hazard picked up a knock in the Championship game prior to this international double header, meaning he may have to sit out tonight’s clash with Luxembourg. But impressive results and performances in recent times have injected fresh belief into the Northern Ireland players ahead of the Nations League campaign, despite the loss of captain Jonny Evans, who has retired from international football. “The lads who have retired recently have played a massive part in where the younger players are now. Everyone has been able to learn from them and all their traditions are still there to an extent,” said Hazard. “Everyone knows the standards expected from the moment you walk into the camp, and that’s always been passed down and carried on. “At the moment as a team we are taking each game as it comes. We know the ultimate goal, but it would be silly to look that far ahead. Once we build up momentum, with wins and good performances, hopefully the rest will look after itself.” The 26-year-old keeper, who has kept five clean sheets in his eight appearances for his country to date, said Michael O’Neill has moulded a young squad who are “ready to go”. He added: “The next two years is going to be absolutely massive for us considering the World Cup qualifiers are coming up next year and then the Euros after that. “We have to set our sights high and the team has come a long way. We still have a lot to learn, but it feels like we are on the right path. “We want to get off to a decent start. Our expectation is to win and now we have to prove that on the park. Luxembourg will be tough, but we want to start in the best possible way before the first away game.”

CONOR HAZARD CONOR IS IN FINE FETTLE

The last time the Manchester United and England legend appeared at Windsor Park he was on the receiving end of one of the biggest shocks in international football when David Healy bagged a memorable winning goal in 2005. But 19 years later Rooney, who apparently loves a game of bingo, has rocked up at Plymouth Argyle in his latest managerial role and Northern Ireland keeper Conor Hazard believes he is already benefiting from the footballing superstar’s know-how. “It has been a bit mad compared to last season with Wayne Rooney becoming our manager,” said the former Celtic keeper. “Obviously he’s one of the most decorated footballers in the whole of the UK. Everyone is adapting to what way he wants to play and the fans have all really got behind him. He’s been incredible to work under and I’m really looking forward to the future. “And he’s such an intelligent manager. The way he talks, the way he sets us up to play. You can tell he’s played and worked at the highest level the way he interacts with us on the training pitch. “Even off the pitch, he is Wayne Rooney, however he’s so down to earth and so normal. It creates a really good atmosphere around the place.” Argyle have endured a difficult start to the new campaign in the EFL Championship, but for Hazard the accolades have been stacking up. He pointed out: “On a personal level I have started the season pretty well, but for us as a club we haven’t got the points we maybe deserve. “The first game against Sheffield Wednesday was a real kick up the backside for us and we’ve started to settle into the way the gaffer wants us to play now. We’re maybe just missing that wee step to get it finished at the top end of the pitch. “Ultimately, it’s about getting points on the board and that’s what we have to do.” Hazard has already picked up two man of the match awards this season. He said: “I’m feeling good in myself. I feel quick and agile and I feel like I’m in good form.

IRISHFA.COM

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