Northern Ireland made it a record 10 matches unbeaten as Conor

Washington underlined his case for a place at Euro 2016 with the goal

that clinched a 1-0 friendly win over Slovenia on Monday.

Washington’s first half strike and Milivoje Novakovic’s missed

penalty at Windsor Park made Michael O’Neill’s side the first in

Northern Ireland history to go 10 games without losing as they surpassed

the runs of nine without defeat set twice in the 1980s under Billy

Bingham.

It is Bingham’s famous teams who O’Neill’s group have made a habit of

emulating after their shock qualification for this year’s European

Championships took Northern Ireland to a first major tournament since

the 1986 World Cup.

As Northern Ireland prepare for their first ever appearance at the

European Championships, which starts against Poland on June 12,

Washington is suddenly in contention to make the flight to France

following his dream home debut.

The England-born QPR striker, who qualifies for Northern Ireland

through his grandmother, only made his senior international debut on

Thursday after being called up for the first time last week.

Washington was playing for non-league outfit St Ives just four years

ago, but his clinical finish and effervescent performance have given

O’Neill food for thought as he fine-tunes his squad.

After last week’s creditable 1-1 draw against Wales in Cardiff,

O’Neill made four changes as Peterborough defender Michael Smith made

his debut.

Slovenia missed out on the Euros, but still possessed enough

attacking quality to open up the Irish defence when Josip Ilicic

cleverly stepped over a through ball, allowing Roman Bezjak space to

drive his shot into the side-netting.

Finally showing signs of life after their slow start, O’Neill’s side

forced Jan Oblak into action when Washington surged into area for a low

shot that the Slovenia goalkeeper saved with his feet.

Washington was proving to be Ireland’s spark plug and he opened the scoring in the 42nd minute with a superb piece of skill.

Leaving two Slovenians trailing in his wake with his upper body

strength, Washington turned away from a third marker in the area before

stroking a cool finish past Oblak.

Jonny Evans handed Slovenia a chance to equalise midway through the

second half when the West Bromwich Albion defender conceded a penalty by

grabbing Miral Samardzic around the neck.

But Roy Carroll came to his rescue as the former Manchester United keeper kept out Novakovic’s spot-kick.