KEEPING FAITH: Pages 52-53

However McGovern (left) insists Northern Ireland are determined to win against Norway in front of 2,069 travelling fans, to give themselves the best opportunity of being seeded.

“Even if we have secured a play-off come Sunday, we want to go there and win for the seeding,” stressed Fermanagh man McGovern.

Jonny and Corry Evans, Steven Davis, Conor McLaughlin, Stuart Dallas and Josh Magennis are one yellow card away from being ruled out of the first leg of the play-offs. LINFIELD boss David Healy believes his side will today come up against a team that could live with the Scottish Premiership’s big guns.

The Blues will be at Tannadice to take on Dundee United in the IRN BRU Cup (5.15pm), in a clash which will be televised live by BBC Alba. United are second in the Scottish Championship, one point behind St Mirren, and Healy, who enjoyed Tannadice battles while at Rangers, admits his boys face a tough assignment.

“You have only to look at the quality of the squad they have with players more than capable of playing in the Scottish Premiership,” said Healy.

Crusaders will also be in IRN BRU Cup action in Scotland today as they wrestle with Highland League side Cove Rangers at Station Park, Forfar (3pm).

In the Danske Bank Premiership, Ards host Glentoran, Cliftonville entertain Warrenpoint Town and Ballymena United visit Dungannon Swifts (all 3pm).

CUP FEVER: Page 48