O’NEILL IS ON SWISS STROLL TO RUSSIA

MICHAEL O’NEILL insists Northern Ireland have a great chance of reaching their first World Cup finals since 1986 after drawing Switzerland in the play-offs.

O’Neill (above) is relieved to have avoided Italy and Croatia in the draw, even though Switzerland won nine of their 10 qualifying games.

The Northern Ireland boss is backing his players to make history by becoming the first team from the Province to qualify for back-to- back tournaments. “It was interesting to be the first team out and we knew that whatever team we got, it was going to be a very difficult game,” he said.

“Switzerland had a great qualifying campaign, but we’re capable of going through to the finals. We have a big opportunity to get to Russia.”

Northern Ireland will be at home in the first leg on Thursday, November 9, before the return in Basel three days later on November 12.