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Northern Ireland's Kyle Lafferty predicts win over Wales at Euro 2016

Kyle Lafferty
Image: Kyle Lafferty does not expect Northern Ireland to be heading home this weekend

Kyle Lafferty believes Northern Ireland will upset Wales in Paris to book a place in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals.

The two home nations meet at the Parc des Princes having both progressed out of the group stages in their first ever European Championships, although Wales did so as Group B winners while Michael O'Neill's team advanced as one of the best third-placed sides.

Wales are the 4/9 favourites with Sky Bet to reach the quarter-finals but striker Lafferty thinks Northern Ireland will upset the odds.

"We played against Wales three or four months ago, we know about their players," Lafferty said of the 1-1 draw contested in March.

Ashley Williams of Wales heads the ball clear under pressure from Paddy McNair and Gareth McAuley of Northern Ireland during th
Image: Wales and Northern Ireland drew 1-1 in March

"It's going to be a tough game, they've got some world-class players but with our heart and determination we honestly believe that we can go on and beat anyone.

"We'll approach the game the same way we've approached Poland, Ukraine and Germany.

"I'm honestly sitting here believing we can go the whole way. It might take some luck but every team in the world is due some luck at times.

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"The way we're fighting for each other and going the extra mile in games, it's going to go a long way come the 90th minute.

"It's going to be interesting to see who wants it the most come Saturday. The way we've played in the recent games, I believe we will come out on top."

Northern Ireland have conceded just seven goals in their past 13 fixtures but now face the tournament's joint top scorer Gareth Bale having kept the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Andriy Yarmolenko quiet.

Terzo centro in tre partite per Gareth Bale a Euro 2016 (Getty)
Image: Lafferty believes the Northern Ireland defence can keep Gareth Bale at bay

"Gareth Bale is a stand-out player, you don't play for Real Madrid if you're an average player but I honestly believe we've got one of the best defences in the tournament," Lafferty said.

"I don't think they've been given enough praise for what they've done. It's going to be a tough game but hopefully we'll be celebrating at the end."

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Wales forward Gareth Bale looks ahead to the round of 16 match with Northern Ireland in Paris

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