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Northern Ireland to play New Zealand in friendly at Windsor Park

Jamie Ward celebrates scoring Northern Ireland's third goal of the game during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match v San Marino at Windsor Park
Image: Northern Ireland will face New Zealand in Belfast on June 2

Northern Ireland will play New Zealand in a friendly at Windsor Park in June.

The game in Belfast on June 2 will help both sides prepare for crucial international games that month.

Northern Ireland face Azerbaijan in a World Cup Qualifier on June 10, while their visitors are set to compete in the Confederations Cup, the prelude to next year's World Cup.

Michael O'Neill, the Northern Ireland manager, confirmed they will prepare for the trip to Azerbaijan with two training camps in Britain before the game against the All Whites, with an overseas training camp to follow.

"I wanted a home game following our first two camps and it will come at a good time for us," O'Neill told the Irish Football Association's official website.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill during the 2018 World Cup Qualifier against San Marino
Image: Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill thinks the game will keep his players sharp

"It's not too close to the Azerbaijan game and it will help to keep the players sharp.

"The players will need a game at that time as some of their seasons will have finished as early as the end of April.

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"We will use it sensibly and get as many of the squad on the pitch as possible."

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