Washington wants to give O'Neill 'something to think about'

Conor Washington's last Northern Ireland appearance came against Denmark in November 2023

Striker Conor Washington says he wants to give Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill "something to think about" as he looks to return to football.

The 32-year-old is a free agent and looking for a new club after an injury-hit spell at Derby County.

Shortly after his last international cap against Denmark in November 2023, Washington was sidelined for four months after he injured his ankle in a "freak accident".

"Would I like to be involved? Of course I would," Washington said about a Northern Ireland return.

"The plan is to get myself a club, get myself back playing and give Michael something to think about."

With his run of injuries and falling down the pecking order at Derby County, Washington admits he "hasn't done enough on the radar" for a Northern Ireland recall.

"I'm not naive about that, so I've got no doubt that if I get myself fit and playing at a decent level then the door would remain open, I hope.

"I'm sure people will be ringing Michael to get references over the next few months so hopefully I can get back in his thinking.

"I feel like I'm in a good spot, I feel good physically, I've trained for a few months and have played Under-21s games so I can kick on for one more campaign if the chance arises."

Bradley looks 'unplayable'

Conor Bradley's tackle on Kylian Mbappe in the Champions League was one of the standout photos of Liverpool's season

While Washington is one of the senior players at the disposal of O'Neill, Northern Ireland's squad has shifted towards a focus on youth after several players broke into senior football.

Conor Bradley is perhaps the most high profile of those players after helping Liverpool win the Premier League.

Washington has been impressed by the young players, and says Bradley has "everything you want" and "fantastic to watch".

"He'd been thrust into the limelight with Northern Ireland so it probably gave him the chance to assess his game, get stronger, quicker. He looks unplayable at times.

"He came in as a scrawny 16, 17-year-old and to see him now on the biggest stages, not just getting by but affecting games, getting assists, putting Mbappe in his pocket.

"It's an enjoyable experience as you get older to see players like that flourish."