Jamie Ward: 'Northern Ireland energy will cause Germany problems'

Northern Ireland midfielder Jamie Ward has claimed that his nation's high-energy approach could help them spring a major upset if complacency creeps into Germany's team at Euro 2016.

Michael O'Neill's charges take on the world champions in Paris on Tuesday, and with three points already on board, they are still in contention for a spot in the knockout stages.

Ward, who plays his club football for Nottingham Forest, told BBC Sport: "[Germany] are the best team in the world and probably will not worry about us too much.

"I am sure they will have watched our games and see we have a lot of energy. We are going to run around a lot. We just have to try to cause them problems, but they have quality players whoever they pick for their team."

Northern Ireland are currently third and, depending on how they do against Germany and how Poland fare against Ukraine, could finish as high as first or, alternatively, fail to be named as one of the best third-placed teams.