George Saville welcomes UEFA Nations League

The 25-year-old Northern Irish midfielder praised the new tournament, saying that reducing the number of international friendlies is a welcome development. Saville's Northern Ireland opening game in the competition will take place in Belfast on Saturday.

"I think it's a good idea, it takes friendlies away and you have more games that mean something," said Saville.

"If you don't qualify for the Euros in the normal way you still have a backdoor route, so that's good for the smaller nations.

"It's good if every time you come away and have a camp you're playing for something. That's better than just turning out for friendlies. Obviously, you want to win friendlies but there is an edge taken off."

Saville also discussed his manager Tony Pulis' Style of football, under whom he plays at Middlesborough.

"The style of play is not like the fantastic football Manchester City will play but he is effective and he knows how to win football matches in the Championship," said Saville.

"That's what it is about - getting out of the league. Tony knows how to win football matches and that's all I care about."