No seeds of doubt for O’Neill in play-off clash

MICHAEL O’NEILL brushed off a likely seeding blow for Northern Ireland as defeat to Norway left them staring at a tougher play-off test.

The Irish were guaranteed one of eight World Cup play-off spots going before kick-off thanks to Scotland’s 2-2 draw in Slovenia.

But Chris Brunt’s own goal ensured a 1-0 loss that means they’re unlikely to be one of the four seeded sides.

Boss O’Neill said: “We can’t be greedy. Let’s be honest, we are up against some great teams potentially in the play-offs and we will just have to deal with whatever draw comes.

“You might play a very good team if you were seeded as well. It’s unlikely we’ll be seeded but we still have an opportunity to go to Russia. This team’s punching above its weight massively – it has done for a considerable amount of time.”

Group C winners Germany head to Russia with a 100 per cent record after a 5-1 rout of Azerbaijan.

Leon Goretzka produced a magical backheel from seven yards out for the defending champs’ opener.

And Robert Lewandowski landed the Euro qualifying goal record as his 16th of the campaign helped Poland win 4-2 against Montenegro after losing a two-goal lead.

The Bayern Munich talisman is a goal ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Portugal facing Switzerland tomorrow night in Group B.