UNITED IRELAND

Bosses Baraclough and Kenny join forces to bring down Slovakia

NORTHERN Ireland have found an unlikely ally ahead of their Euro play-off against Slovakia next week.

Ian Baraclough’s side go into the crunch clash at Windsor Park knowing victor y will secure a spot in next summer’s finals.

It offers Northern Ireland’s new manager the chance to follow in the hallowed steps of predecessor Michael

O’neill who carried the

Green and White Army to

France four years ago.

Baraclough has been busy s c r ut i n i si n g e v e r y a sp e c t of Slovakia ahead of the play-off final in six days’ time.

One source of information has been Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, inset, whose Irish side lost to Slovakia in the play-off semi-finals.

The Republic went out on penalties in Bratislava, on the same night Northern Ireland were beating Bosnia-herzegovina from the spot in Sarajevo.

“I know it has been quoted that

Stephen and I have spoken to each other,” Baraclough said.

“He did ring me and wished me all the best for the upcoming game, and said if there was anything he could help with, I only have to ask.”

The ongoing debate over player eligibility raised its head recently with former Northern Ireland youth international Mark Sykes declaring for the Republic. It was the latest crossborder switch that threatened to tar any positive relations between Baraclough and Kenny, two men who have recently made the management leap from Under 21 to senior level.

For Baraclough, however, there was no falling out over Sykes’ move south. “I want to have a good relationship with all managers. We are both managing our countries and our own affairs,” he said.

“Things will happen along the line, and you might not like some of the conversations you have. But I don’t hold grudges and it was great to receive a call from Stephen.

“It was probably a difficult call for him, and I fully respect the hand he has offered to me. There are no grudges and I am not opening any wounds, and h o p e ful ly we c a n h av e a g o o d relationship moving forward.

“We both want what’s best for our countries, and what we have to do for the good of the nation is something that goes with the territory.”

Baraclough has named a

26-man squad for the upcoming triple h eader, which kicks off against

Slovakia next Thursday and is followed by Nations League games against Austria and Romania.

Manchester United teenager Ethan Galbraith, Aberdeen winger Matthew Kennedy and Celtic goalkeeper Conor Hazard all come i nto the panel , replacing Jordan Jones, Joel Cooper and Trevor Carson.

Elsewhere, influential defender Jonny Evans, above, is expected to be fit for next week’s play-off despite missing

Leicester City’s last three games with a back injury.

“He’s had a sore back and I don’t think Leicester want to risk him, but he’s telling me his recovery is getting better all the time,” Baraclough added.

“He’s still got a bit of soreness and a bit of bruising but hopefully he’ll be fit for us. He’s doing light training at Leicester and could come into contention for the weekend.” NORTHERN IRELAND SQUAD Goalkeepers: Bailey Peacock-farrell (Burnley), Michael Mcgovern (Norwich City), Conor Hazard (Celtic). Defenders: Jonny Evans (Leicester City), Craig Cathcart (Watford), Stuart Dallas (Leeds Utd), Shane Ferguson (Millwall), Conor Mclaughlin (Sunderland), Jamal Lewis (Newcastle United), Michael Smith (Hearts), Tom Flanagan (Sunderland), Daniel Ballard (Arsenal). Midfielders: Steven Davis (Rangers), Corry Evans (Blackburn Rovers), Niall Mcginn (Aberdeen), Patrick Mcnair (Middlesbrough), George Saville (Middlesbrough), Gavin Whyte (Cardiff City), Matthew Kennedy (Aberdeen), Jordan Thompson (Stoke City), Ethan Galbraith (Manchester United), Alistair Mccann (St Johnstone). Forwards: Kyle Lafferty (Reggina), Josh Magennis (Hull City), Conor Washington (Charlton Athletic), Liam Boyce (Hearts).