Former Derry City forward Niall McGinn will be looking to outshine one of the world’s superstars – Cristiano Ronaldo – in Northern Ireland’s World Cup clash against Portugal in Windsor Park.
The two come up against each in a crucial game that is due to get underway in Belfast.
Michael O’Neill’s side cannot qualify but the former Coleraine favourite will be hoping for a performance similar to that which saw them shock Russia last month.
McGinn, regarded as one the top strikers in Scoltand since joining Aberdeen, will be looking to put a repeat performance when the two sides met in Lisbon – his goal had the away side in the lead until the 82th minute when Portuguese grabbed an equaliser.
But it is the appearance of Ronaldo that all the interest is in. It is known he is unhappy with the decision of Madrid to sell German international Uzil to Arsenal.
It is also been reported he is also unhappy at losing his reputation as the world’s most expensive player since the arrival of Gareth Bale at the Bernabeau.
Sources close to the player are saying he is determined to put a performance tonight that will prove he is the best player. The fact as he has been named as caption of the Portugal team plus Irish fans aleady in Windsor Park chanting “You’re a cheap Gareth Bale” are sure to urge him on.
Tonight’s game is being played on what Northern Ireland fans call “St David’s Day” as it is seven years since a David Healy hat-defeated England in a European Championship game.
The game is being televised live on Sky Sports 4.
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