FORMER Newport County AFC striker Conor Washington will go to Euro 2016 after being named in Northern Ireland’s 23-man finals squad.

The Queens Park Rangers front man, who enjoyed a successful spell at Rodney Parade between October 2012 and January 2014, saw his place on the plane to France confirmed by manager Michael O’Neill today.

Goals from Washington and fellow strikers Kyle Lafferty and Will Grigg gave Northern Ireland a perfect Belfast send-off as they extended their unbeaten run to 11 games with a 3-0 victory over Belarus last night.

Washington headed in on the stroke of the interval to make it two goals from two games in Belfast for him.

After being named in the squad the 24-year-old said: “It’s absolutely incredible to get this opportunity after coming into the squad so late.

“I’m glad I did what I did in the friendlies and the training camps and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I was always hoping for the best but you don’t want to think about it too much – you don’t want to put yourself on the plane until you are on the plane.

“But I’m really happy I’ve made the squad and I’m really looking forward to it.

“It’s been a crazy four years and especially the last six to 12 months have been pretty meteoric.

“It’s still pretty surreal to look back at how far I’ve come. It’s crazy.”

After last night’s match he told the Belfast Telegraph: “It was a really good performance and once again we put down a marker that we’re not just going to France to roll over. We’re going to be big players in the group.”

Washington says the fact that he, Lafferty and Grigg all scored shows there is healthy competition for starting spots up front in France.

“That competition is great. We have it every day in training – there are some really good finishers and just quality strikers.

“It’s a really healthy rivalry and hopefully that causes the gaffer some headaches.”

Northern Ireland take on Wales’ first group opponents Slovakia in a friendly next Saturday.

They then face Poland, Ukraine and Germany at the Euros.

Meanwhile, former Exiles boss John Sheridan says he is relishing the challenge of reviving the fortunes of a sleeping giant after being confirmed as Notts County manager.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News after leaving Oldham Athletic, where he moved after leaving Newport in January, Sheridan said: “The decision to leave Oldham was not an easy one and I will always retain my affection for the club and its fans.

“I’m delighted to be joining Notts County though and relishing the opportunity to get the club challenging for promotion to League One.

“Notts County is a big club - far bigger than its current league position suggests.”