Belarus v Northern Ireland: Nobody wants to play football behind closed doors – Callum Marshall

Northern Ireland striker Callum Marshall says he expects Saturday’s Nations League game with Belarus to “be like Covid again”.

The game will be played in western Hungary and behind closed doors because of current Uefa restrictions on Belarus.

The 19-year-old, who is on loan at Huddersfield Town from West Ham, says it is far from ideal playing without supporters.

“Nobody wants to play behind closed doors as a footballer, especially when you have fans like Northern Ireland,” Marshall told BBC Sport NI.

“Everyone wants to see the away fans and hear them.”

Northern Ireland defeated Luxembourg in their Nations League opener in Belfast but lost their last match away to Bulgaria.

Michael O’Neill’s side travel to Zalaegerszeg to face Belarus, who drew with Bulgaria and defeated Luxembourg in their opening matches.

“It’s out of our hands,” Marshall added on the game being played behind closed doors.

“Both teams will be playing away from home, so we can’t use that as an excuse.

“It will be like Covid again with no atmosphere. It’ll be harder to get up for the occasion, but I’m sure we will.”