Wales boss Chris Coleman expects '˜feisty' encounter with Northern Ireland

Wales boss Chris Coleman is expecting a typical British battle when his side meets Northern Ireland on Thursday evening.
Wales manager Chris ColemanWales manager Chris Coleman
Wales manager Chris Coleman

Northern Ireland’s visit to the Cardiff City Stadium will represent a Euro 2016 send-off for Wales in front of their own supporters.

Coleman’s men will conclude their Euro 2016 build-up with friendlies in Ukraine on Monday and Sweden at the start of June.

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And Coleman expects a traditional physical British battle against Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland, a fixture arranged to replicate the challenge of Euro 2016 opponents England in Lens on June 16.

“I would imagine it will be feisty and that’s what we want,” said Coleman.

“I know Michael’s mentality and he will want that as well.

“He will want a proper game and I’m sure that’s what it will be.

“When we play these teams, be it England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, we don’t want to lose to a neighbouring country.”

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Defender Ben Davies (head) and Tom Bradshaw (hamstring) have joined a lengthy Wales injury list which already includes Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Hal Robson-Kanu, James Collins, Andy King and Paul Dummett.