Bale faces challenge to breach N.Ireland defence - Lafferty

Football Soccer - Russia v Wales - EURO 2016 - Group B - Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse, France - 20/6/16 - Wales' Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring a goal. REUTERS/Sergio Perez

(Reuters) - Wales forward Gareth Bale will find it difficult to break down Northern Ireland's defence in the all-British last 16 Euro 2106 clash at Parc des Princes on Saturday, said Irish striker Kyle Lafferty.

Bale is joint-top scorer at Euro 2016 with three goals after helping Wales to top spot in their group, but will likely come up against a stubborn Irish backline, who have let in seven goals in their last 13 fixtures.