LET’S GET SAVVY

Memory of World Cup misery motivates George to lead Nation to a major finals

bit inside.

“At the time, you’re straight back into focusing on getting three points for your club, but it’s at the back of your mind.

“I did think about it a bit, especially when the World Cup was on over the summer, but that’s the way it goes, I suppose.”

Northern Ireland kick off the new-look UEFA Nations League at home to Bosnia and Herzegovina at Windsor Park on Saturday afternoon.

Austria are also in the three team group with top spot offering promotion to the top tier of the next Nations League in 2020 and a potential backdoor route to Euro 2020.

The draw for the actual Euro campaign takes place in December, with the regular qualifiers kicking off in March 2019.

Saville isn’t alone in branding the complexities of the Nations

League “slightly confusing”, but insisted: “Our aim is to win games of football and let the system look after itself.

“Ultimately we want to reach the

Euro finals by whatever means. We start our Nations League campaign against Bosnia and our aim is to get off to a positive start.”

Saville, who made his debut in a 3-1 home defeat to Germany 11 months ago, is relishing the prospect of pitting his wits against Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic, inset, this weekend. The 25-year-old, who recently joined Middlesbrough from Millwall, said: “Bosnia have top, top players, but you always want to play against better players and show you can compete. “You want to get to the top level of football and play against the top players. I thrive in those situations and always look forward to these games if selected.” On securing his loan deal with Boro, who lie second in the Championship, ahead of a permanent move in January, Saville said: “I’m glad it’s sorted and I can now focus on Northern Ireland for the next 10 days, working with Michael and the boys.

“When I get back to club duty, I’ve got Middlesbrough to look forward to and the club’s push for promotion.” Northern Ireland also face Israel in a friendly at Windsor on Tuesday night.