Michael O’Neill has warned Northern Ireland they will be facing a striker at the peak of his powers in Newcastle star Alexander Isak. The ace attacker has bagged 23 goals for the Toon and O’Neill says the Sweden hitman has developed enormously in the two-and-a-half years he has been at St James’ Park.
Northern Ireland face Isak and Sweden in tonight’s friendly in Stockholm and O’Neill feels the Newcastle hitman has become more consistent in the Premier League.
“I’ve watched him quite a bit for Newcastle,” said the Irish boss and former Newcastle forward. “I think the difference from when he came into the league to where he is now is quite significant.
“He always shows really good moments in games in the early part of his career, but now he’s influencing games consistently. We’re seeing a striker right at the top of his game and there’s a lot more in his game.
“His timing is exceptional. He’s able to stay out of physical contact because he’s very clever and very intelligent, but he’s a great finisher.
“He’s a player that everyone is talking about, not only in the English Premier League, but across Europe as well. He’s had a really strong impact in a short period of time in England.”
Shea Charles, who will captain the Irish tonight, claims O’Neill’s men must keep Isak quiet.
The on-loan Sheffield Wednesday midfielder refuses to be daunted at facing Isak and says the Northern Ireland players want to test themselves at the highest level.
“You want to play against the best players in the world and he’s one of the best strikers in the Premier League at this moment,” he said.
“So, yeah, we’re looking forward to the game and hopefully we can stop him scoring.”
Germany have been confirmed as Northern Ireland’s final World Cup qualifying opponents in the four-team Group A and they will face them in Cologne on September 7 before hosting them at Windsor Park on October 13.
Charles is relishing facing the four-time World Cup winners, even though they thumped Northern Ireland 6-1 in their last meeting in 2019 in the final game of O’Neill’s first spell as boss.
“They’re one of the best teams in the world,” he said. “It’s a big challenge home and away and hopefully we can beat them.”
The Irish have also revealed they face Denmark in a friendly on June 7 after the Danes lost to Portugal in the Nations League quarter-finals.
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