With triumphs over Hungary, Faroe Islands and Greece, Northern Ireland made history as it was the first time in the history of Northern Ireland that they have managed to start a qualifying campaign with 3 consecutive victories.
Northern Ireland is located in the 2nd spot of Group F with 9 points having been collected after 4 matches. They are in a very comfortable location and the Irish squad is hoping they can continue gathering more points in their upcoming qualification match which will take place on March 29 at the Windsor Park.
Northern Ireland initiated their Euro’s 2016 journey with 3 successive victories against Hungary, Faroe Islands and Greece but their undefeated run reached its end after Romania blasted 2 goals past the Irish team in a match that ended in a 2-0 scoreboard with Romania claiming the victory.
Romania appeared to be the better team from the start of the match as the hosts launched warning shots from the early stages of the game but Northern Ireland somehow managed to not concede a single goal until the final moments of the 2nd half when Romania’s Paul Papp scored twice within 6 minutes.
Northern Ireland have been a surprise package in the Euro 2016 qualifying up until now.
They had managed to win every match, which had given them a great opportunity to reach the Euro 2016 finals in France. However, a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Romania has not only seen them surrender the 100% record but also the top spot in the group. Romania have overtaken them in the group as a result of this victory and are now one point clear at the top. Even though the advantages not very significant, midfielder Corry Evans said that he is gutted after the defeat.
The Belgian attacker of Aston Villa, Christian Benteke has been out of action and trying to recover from a ruptured achilles injury since April but all signs are pointing towards him making a return to the first team of Aston Villa as he might be able to make get into the squad just in time for Aston Villa’s upcoming Premier League match against Manchester City which is going to be played on October 4.
Blackburn Rovers’ start to the season has not been perfect after they have managed just one win in the three matches. The poor form continued after they suffered a 3-1 defeat against Norwich in a match that raises questions about the squad.
Manager Gary Bowyer, however, felt that a number of decisions from the referee went against his team in this defeat. Blackburn opened the new campaign with a 1-1 draw against newly relegated Cardiff. They followed this with a 1-0 defeat against Scunthorpe United in the League Cup that was a shock to many.
Gary Bowyer, the manager of Blackburn Rovers, believes that during the next season, Corry Evans would be able to produce the goods.
Evans had been brought to the Blackburn Rovers by Bowyer last summer with big hopes, but, unfortunately, the 23-year old Centre-back discovered an ankle problem while representing his national side Northern Ireland. That injury made him miss almost entire second half of the last season.
But, he returned to full fitness when the season was approaching its end and featured for his country in a couple of friendly matches.
Young midfielder Corry Evans is willing to do a massive favor for Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill by learning his trade as a wing back.
The Northern Irish boss has switched to a fluid 3-5-2 system in recent matches which allows him to have a solid defense as well as two forwards at the top without having to compromise their strength in the midfield.
However, for the plan to be successful, he needs two flying wing backs that are as much adept at bombing as they are solid in defense.
Blackburn Rovers manager Gary Bowyer has stated that he is extremely delighted at the prospect of working with midfielder Corry Evans next season. The former Hull city man has been an influential player for the club since joining them during the summer transfer window. He has helped them make a late push towards the play-offs. The midfielder was at his best in the 3-1 win over Charlton. After the match, Bowyer stated that Evans has all the attributes to become a great player for Blackburn.
Blackburn Rovers manager Gary Bowyer, who was without midfielder Corry Evans for the match against QPR, says that the team should only concentrate about winning the rest of the matches in the season without having to think about the play-offs.
After an inconsistent season, Blackburn find themselves several points behind the final play-off places. However, they seem to be hitting form at a time when teams above them are struggling to find consistency. This has been Blackburn close the gap on sixth placed Reading to just four points with five matches remaining.
Leicester City have been the team to beat in the championship this season. Blackburn are looking to take on the challenge of overcoming Nigel Pearson’s men this weekend. Midfielder Corry Evans, who joined the club on a permanent basis in the January transfer window, says that he does not see reason why Blackburn could defeat the table leaders. The 23-year-old has worked with Pearson when he was at Hull city. Hence, he knows the manager extremely well and this is something that Blackburn can take advantage of for the weekend.