FORMER Newport County AFC striker Conor Washington saw his Euro 2016 dream shattered by Wales on Saturday but he believes Chris Coleman’s men can go all the way in France.

Washington was a second half substitute against Wales at the Parc des Princes in Paris, entering the fray just before teammate Gareth McAuley scored the decisive own goal.

It means Northern Ireland are on their way home and Wales head to Lille for a quarter-final clash with Belgium on Friday night.

And Washington says Wales have luck and momentum in their favour, as well as superstars who can win any match in Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.

“Wales have had that little bit of luck throughout the tournament,” said the former Exiles star, speaking before Belgium’s 4-0 romp against Hungary on Sunday night.

“But at this level I think you need that and the way they’ve gone in the tournament it wouldn’t surprise you if they got past Belgium as well.

“They will have to play better than they did against us but I wouldn’t say Belgium have been particularly brilliant.

“Wales are in a very favourable side of the draw and with people like Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey they are match winners.

“At this level you need that and it proved it against us. Obviously I wish Wales good luck in the next round.”

Washington, who left Rodney Parade for Peterborough United in 2014 and now plays for Queens Park Rangers, is now targeting the 2018 World Cup with his country and the Premier League with his club.

“It’s a really cruel way to go out but we’ve just got to pick ourselves back up now and go again,” he said.

“Qualifying starts again in September and we want to give a good account of ourselves in the group and hopefully qualify again.

“For me the tournament has been absolutely brilliant. Hopefully I’ll take this back to QPR now and kick from on there.

“It has been a surreal few weeks. I will take a look back at it and realise how far I’ve come and hopefully that will edge out any disappointment.”

Washington has also backed former County teammate Andrew Hughes to be a big hit at Peterborough after the defender’s move to London Road this summer.

I spoke to him before he went to Peterborough and it’s a really good move for him,” said Washington.

“It’s obviously a step up but I think he’s more than equipped to do well at that level.

“He’s got a really good attitude and he’s working under a really good manager in Grant McCann so it will be interesting to see how he progresses.”

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