Northern Ireland striker Liam Boyce ready to '˜seize the moment' as he dreams of Euro finals

Northern Ireland hopeful Liam Boyce admits it would be 'unimaginable' if he missed out on this summer's Euro finals '“ but accepts he has a fight on his hands to be named in Michael O'Neill's final squad.
Liam Boyce is hoping to impress over the next two friendliesLiam Boyce is hoping to impress over the next two friendlies
Liam Boyce is hoping to impress over the next two friendlies

Boyce will be hoping to impress O’Neill over the coming week in the friendlies against Wales and Slovenia.

Northern Ireland are in Cardiff preparing for Thursday’s meeting with the Chris Coleman’s Welsh side.

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Four days later sees the visit of Slovenia to Windsor Park as O’Neill continues his preparations for the European Championship in France.

The countdown is well under way for this summer’s Euro showpiece, and Ross County striker Boyce is under no illusions as he looks to impress his international boss.

“It is up to every player to seize their chance over these next couple of friendlies,” the 24-year-old said.

“After these games Michael will name his final squad for the Euro finals, so I have to make sure I impress in training and hopefully also in the games.

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“I have been in and around the squad for a while now, and I think a lot of that was down to my club form with Ross County.

“I was scoring goals and playing well, and Michael recognised that and gave me my chance.

“It is now up to me to prove I can become a regular at international level.”

Boyce was riding on the crest of a wave with Ross County until a fractured left hand sidelined the in-form striker for a month.

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His 17 goals in 24 appearances earned rave reviews in Scotland, with the former Cliftonville talisman also rewarded with the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for December.

Now he is back and fighting fit as he looks to finish the season strongly with County – culminating with a trip to France this summer.

“The injury derailed my season a little bit. It came at a bad time,” Boyce added.

“I was scoring goals and doing well for Ross County, and then I was out of action. But maybe it was a good thing that the injury happened when it did.

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“I still have time to get back to top form and try and score some goals for my club. The top six remains a target for us, and we recently won the League Cup which was massive.

“I just need to finish the season strongly and try and make sure I am in Michael O’Neill’s plans for France. It would be unimaginable to miss out on the Euros, but I have to make sure I earn my place in the squad. Hopefully I can do that.”