Northern Ireland face Romania in important Euro qualifier
Conor McLaughlin’s Northern Ireland are back in action on Saturday, as they host Romania in a European Championship qualifier at Windsor Park.Michael O’Neill’s men currently sit second behind their opponents in Group F – meaning that a win over Romania in Belfast will see them regain top spot in the race for the 2016 tournament in France.
Having won four of their five fixtures to date, Northern Ireland are in a healthy position, as they look to qualify for a first major international tournament since the World Cup of 1986 in Mexico.
Impressive away wins in Hungary and Greece were coupled with maximum points at home against the Faroe Islands and most recently Finland, ahead of the anticipated fixture against Romania.
Kyle Lafferty netted a brace during a 2-1 victory over Finland during their last qualifier, a result which boosted their chances of a trip to France next June.
Cod Army fans will have one eye on proceedings in Belfast, as Town full-back McLaughlin continues to impress on the international stage.
The 23-year-old has featured in all five of Northern Ireland’s European Championship qualifiers, becoming a regular in the international set-up over recent months.
Now a permanent fixture in the squad, Conor will be hoping to help his country over the line, and become the first ever Fleetwood Town player to feature at an international tournament.
McLaughlin played the full 90 minutes in the recent 1-1 draw with 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar, at Gresty Road, in what was used as a warm-up for the important fixture at home to the Romanians.
Romania themselves tasted victory in their previous competitive fixture, as they beat the Faroe Islands 1-0.
Keep up to date on Conor’s progress by following @ftfc on Twitter.