WALES boss Chris Coleman has warned his side that they can’t afford to view tomorrow’s Euro 2016 clash with Northern Ireland as a stepping stone to the quarter-finals – or they’ll be dumped out of the tournament.

Coleman’s men are the bookies favourites to progress after ripping Russia apart last Monday thanks to dazzling displays from the likes of Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale.

But the manager is certainly not taking Northern Ireland lightly and he knows exactly what to expect from Michael O’Neill’s side after a 1-1 friendly draw in March.

“We can’t afford to look past the next game and nor can Northern Ireland,” said Coleman.

“We take confidence from the last performance and that was outstanding. But it’s all about tomorrow now. We will treat it like any other game.

“We can’t dare to think this is a stepping stone. There’s not a team in the tournament who can think like that.

“The Russia win was fantastic and two games before touch and go. We don’t dare look past the next game.

“It’s clear Northern Ireland are very difficult to break down, they don’t give away easy goals.

“They defend deep and compact and they’re dangerous on counter.

“We don’t want to get sucked into someone else’s game.”

Recalling the last game between the two sides in Cardiff, Coleman said: “It was a good game for us. They were very strong and physical and dangerous from set pieces. It was a tough game.

“But, of course, Gareth and Aaron [who missed the friendly] make a difference.

“Aaron has created chance after chance and it is difficult to lock him down,” he added.

“And the way Gareth represents his country on top of his skill, we are all extremely proud.

“I look at all our players and think wow we have a real good team.”

Asked about Brexit, Coleman said: “We are still in it and it’s all about the football tomorrow.”

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