What Wales manager Craig Bellamy has previously said about Northern Ireland ahead of Cardiff friendly
After losing out in Thursday’s World Cup play-off semi-final to Italy, Northern Ireland now make a trip to Cardiff for a significantly less glamorous clash against Wales.
While it was hoped Tuesday’s meeting at the Cardiff City Stadium – a first between the two countries since Euro 2016 – would be a shoot-out for a spot at this summer’s major tournament, it’ll instead be a friendly with both managers likely to use their wider squads.
Wales also suffered World Cup heartbreak on home soil last week, taking a lead against Bosnia & Herzegovina before conceding in the dying moments of normal time and losing 4-2 on penalties.
Craig Bellamy’s side sit 34 places higher in FIFA’s world rankings than Northern Ireland – but the Wales chief has previously stated his opinion of wanting to avoid them at all costs.
Former Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United star Bellamy, who earned 78 international caps for Wales, was appointed national team boss in 2024.
Bellamy has won eight and drawn five of his 17 matches in charge to date, guiding the country to League A of the Nations League after topping a group which included Turkiye, Iceland and Montenegro.
Speaking in December after the World Cup play-off draw was conducted, Bellamy was full of praise for both Northern Ireland and their manager Michael O’Neill – claiming they were “the one team I didn't want to play”.
"Everyone thinks it'll be Italy we'll have to play if we beat Bosnia, but if there's one team that's happy not to have the ball it's Northern Ireland,” he said at the time. "I think they're ranked 48th of 54 teams in Europe for possession.
"They know where they're going and... they were the one team I didn't want to play.
"Everyone's writing them off but, I'm telling you now, watch out for that result - it's not going to be straightforward. It will be a tough, tough game for Italy.
"Down the years they've just had something and they know what they are. They've got a brilliant manager who I really like.
"I was lucky enough to spend a bit of time with him as well, and I loved him. No wonder his players do well.
"They won't be playing at their home ground against Italy, but I just feel they'll be comfortable in any situation you throw them into.
"There will be pressure coming on Italy because they haven't qualified for two World Cups.
"If I was Italy going into that game, with everyone expecting you to win, I'm telling you I'd be edgy. I wouldn't be comfortable with it.
"Italy is one of the greatest nations in football and that's a lot of responsibility to shoulder.
"To have to play a team like Northern Ireland, I'd just be thinking let's get through this and see what happens in the other game."
Bellamy played against Northern Ireland on three occasions during his playing career, drawing twice before picking up a 2-0 friendly win at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in May 2011.