Liam Boyce hopes his bright partnership with Gavin Whyte in the Czech Republic has given Michael O’Neill food for thought ahead of next month’s Euro 2020 climax.
The Burton Albion striker and Cardiff City winger shone in the first half as Northern Ireland ran riot en route to an impressive 3-2 friendly win at the Generali Arena.
Boyce’s hold-up play and vision has never been in question and the forward’s skill set was perfectly complemented by Whyte’s pace and trickery on the break.
Something for O’Neill to ponder ahead of next month’s Euro Group C showdowns with the Dutch in Belfast and Germany in Frankfurt.
“It was great playing alongside Gavin, because he’s got everything I don’t,” smiled Boyce.
“He’s absolutely rapid and in the first half I probably should have scored when he nut-megged one of their players and raced clear, but I had to run early and was caught offside.
“I think we also worked well together defensively, so it was good.”
After favouring 4-3-3 for some time, O’Neill reverted to 3-5-2 formation in Prague and it worked with former Irish League players of the year Boyce and Whyte working in tandem up top.
“I was in the squad when we used to play 3-5-2 before,” said Boyce. “It worked so well before the Euro finals in France, but we changed it and started playing more football.
“The good thing is we know if we need to change it or need to shut up shop when we have a lead, we can do that. We have options.”
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