Third place within grasp for Sanchez' boys

Northern Ireland go into Wednesday's final World Cup qualifier knowing a win will secure an astonishing third place in Group Six.

Having finished the Euro 2004 qualifying series under Sammy McIlroy without a goal or a win, anything more than this during the current campaign would have been deemed a success under new manager Lawrie Sanchez.

However, even the most ardent of supporter would have thought it impossible that Northern Ireland could go into the final game knowing third place is achievable. Such an achievement will mean a less difficult draw for the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign which takes place next January.

Despite Saturday's 3-2 defeat at the hands of Wales, Northern Ireland fans feel aggrieved at what are considered to be some poor refereeing decisions which would surely have secured a draw.

But, with everything to play for against Austria in Vienna manager Sanchez believes his troops can come away with a famous victory.

"Having something to play for means a lot but this has been a helter-skelter tournament for us and only the Azerbaijan away match has been dull," the former Wycombe boss said. "The way this campaign has gone I'm sure there will be another sting in the tail before the final whistle on Wednesday."

Northern Ireland go into Wednesday night's game with Tony Capaldi suspended following a yellow card on Saturday. Chelteham's Grant McCann has been drafted in as cover however full back Chris Baird rejoins the squad following his one match suspension.

Although Northern Ireland are three points behind their opponents as well as having an inferior goal difference, FIFA rules dictate that if two sides finish on the same amount of points the results achieved against each other will determine their table finish. Therefore, nothing less than a win on Wednesday is needed by Northern Ireland if they are to finish third.

Over 1,500 supporters are expected to travel to the game which is being televised live on SKY with kick-off at 7.30pm BST.

Northern Ireland team probables are: Taylor, Baird, Craigan, Murdock, McCann, Gillespie, Johnson, Davis, Elliott, Healy, Quinn.

(MB/SP)