THAT ‘BASEL FAULTY’ PEN RILES PADDY

Switzerland Northern Ireland Group C, kick-off 7.45pm

PADDY McNAIR is adamant Northern Ireland’s World Cup dream will not die in Switzerland like it did in 2017.

McNair came off the bench in Basel in November four years ago when the Irish controversially lost to the Swiss in their World Cup play-off because of a penalty that never was.

The Middlesbrough midfielder has not forgotten the hurt that left skipper Steven Davis (above) distraught, and insists Northern Ireland can come away from Geneva tonight with a result to keep their hopes alive and kicking.

McNair said: “When you look back on 2017, we were very hard done by.

“Xherdan Shaqiri hit the ball against Corry Evans’ back and the referee gave a penalty.

“Over the two legs we were the better side and deserved to go through. It still hurts a bit and we’re definitely up for this game.

“Hopefully we can come back with a positive result.”

Northern Ireland, who are missing defensive linchpin Jonny Evans, are three points behind Switzerland and will replace them in second place if they can squeeze out a win.

McNair, 26, who captains the side in recognition of winning his 50th cap, said: “The games we played against Switzerland before have all been tight – and I’m sure this one will be no different. Hopefully we can take our chances and come away with three points ideally.”

Boss Ian Baraclough, who has not ruled Evans out of Tuesday’s clash with Bulgaria in Sofia, knows tonight is a big opportunity.

“We know we’ve got to get a positive result,” he said.

“I still think there are some tough games for both teams.

“At the moment, it’s still in our hands. If we can beat Switzerland, then it puts us in a great position to grab second place at least and that’s what we’re aiming for.”

The Swiss ground out a 0-0 draw when the two depleted sides played at Windsor Park during the qualifying campaign last month.

Northern Ireland were not the only ones short-handed in Belfast in a group dominated by Italy.

Switzerland coach Murat Yakin was also missing several regulars in a game where they were only denied victory by Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s penalty save.

Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka remains out having suffered a serious knee injury – but the hosts will welcome back Shaqiri and Breel Embolo, two key attacking threats.