North unimpressed with Azeris’ new ‘secret weapon’

NORTHERN IRELAND boss Michael O’Neill last night rapped back at his Azerbaijan counterpart Robert Prosinecki over the Azeris World Cup ‘secret weapon’, newly qualified Brazilian capture Richard Almeida.

Former Croatia star Prosinecki had taunted that he hoped Northern Ireland would find Sao Paulo-born midfield playmaker Richard Almeida “fearsome” in tonight’s vital World Cup Group C clash in steamy Baku.

Almeida, who plays his club football in oil-rich Azerbaijan and qualifies under the five-year residency rule, was only been given clearance by Fifa to play for the national side two weeks ago.

Unimpressed O’Neill observed dryly: “I don’t think the best Brazilians play in Azerbaijan.

“We have watched him play for his club Qarabag and we respect his quality. But he will play against three midfielders who play in the Premier League against top Brazilians, Argentinians, Spanish and Italians every week – Steven Davis, Ollie Norwood and Chris Brunt.

The Azeris, having been defeated in their last two qualifiers including a 4-0 loss in Belfast, are desperate for victory to keep their World Cup qualifying hopes alive while Northern Ireland are determined to strengthen their grip on the vital second place in Group C behind runaway leaders Germany and bolster their hopes of reaching the finals in Russia next summer.

Azerbaijan v Northern Ireland, Live, Sky Sports 4, 5.0