But in a boost for Ireland boss Martin O’Neill, Ajax ace Arek Milik – scorer of six goals, with six assists, in this campaign – is injured, as is left-back Maciej Rybus.
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Port Vale’s Northern Ireland defender Ryan McGivern is gunning for France 2016 after his worldwide team-mates clinched their qualification for the European Championships.
That win was made all the more important as it provided the springboard for Ireland’s progress to a successful play-off and the subsequent World Cup. Ireland’s win blew the group wide open with three teams battling for two automatic qualifying spots.
A point will be enough to guarantee Germany’s place in France next year but only a victory will ensure they finish as group winners, with both Poland and Ireland a point behind ahead of their decisive meeting in Warsaw.
Lafferty still managed to steal the spotlight on Sky Sports last night though, pouring a few champagne over reporter Paul Gilmour, alongside team-mate Chris Baird.
“It’s hard. I think we had the chances and Ireland of course, played their game like they wanted – deep with nine players and waiting for long balls and second balls”.
“It is just an awesome feeling, what we have to look forward to, but this is about the players, to see their reaction is where I get the real buzz”.
“It’s just about getting as many opportunities as I can to show people what I can do”. “We know it’ll be a hard game but we’re well prepared and we’ve a concrete plan”.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved tonight”.
He said: “Robert Lewandowski is developing all the time, he makes progress continuously and I do not think there is anyone that could stop him”.
Scotland are now totally out of contention and if Germany beat Georgia on Sunday they’ll win the group.
Thomas Mueller, who has scored eight goals in the qualifiers, also wasted a late chance with the attacking midfielder firing wide.
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Forde has now slipped from first to third choice for his country in the space of a year and since losing his place to Jordan Archer at his club.
