Northern Ireland to play Belarus before European Championships
Wednesday 17 February 2016 12:08, UK
Northern Ireland will face Belarus in their final home warm-up ahead of Euro 2016 before heading off to a week-long training camp.
The Irish FA has announced Michael O'Neill's team will play their first ever international fixture against Belarus at Windsor Park on Friday, May 27, and fly to Austria immediately after the match.
Northern Ireland will then play their final preparation match against Slovakia at the City Arena in Trnava on June 4.
The friendly with Belarus is seen as an ideal warm-up fixture for O'Neill, as they played Ukraine in their European qualifying campaign.
Northern Ireland are set to meet the Ukrainians in their second group game in France, a group which also includes Poland and world champions Germany.
O'Neill said: "Belarus have had a solid season and they will provide a good test for us as we build towards our first game in France.
"The game, of course, will also act as a send-off for the team so I'm sure there will be a great atmosphere in the stadium, which the players will really appreciate."
Northern Ireland play their first group game against Poland in Nice on June 12.
