ALEXANDER IS A GREAT

MICHAEL O'NEILL has warned Northern Ireland they will be facing a striker at the peak of his powers in Newcastle United star Alexander Isak.

- BY DAVID ANDERSON

Hotshot Isak (above) has bagged 23 goals for the Toon so far this season and O'Neill says the Sweden hitman has developed enormously in the two-and-a-half years he has been at St James' Park.

Northern Ireland face Isak and Sweden in tonight's friendly in Stockholm and O'Neill feels the forward has become far more consistent in the Premier League.

"I've watched him quite a bit for Newcastle," said the Irish boss (right) and former Newcastle winger. "I think the difference from when he came into the league to where he is now is quite significant.