Now we face a spot of bother says Ian
IAN BARACLOUGH is cursing Jorginho’s late penalty miss because it makes Northern Ireland’s task against Italy tomorrow night even harder.
Had the Chelsea midfielder converted his 90th-minute spot-kick to beat Switzerland on Friday, Roberto Mancini’s European champions would have been three points clear in their World Cup qualifying group with one game to play.
Jorginho’s miss means Italy remain level with the Swiss and need to beat Northern Ireland at Windsor Park to book their ticket to Qatar.
Northern Ireland want to hang on to third place and boss Baraclough (above), who hopes Paddy Mcnair will play after groin and hamstring trouble, says the Azzurri will be fired up.
“I would have preferred that (penalty) to have gone in,” said Baraclough after Northern Ireland’s 1-0 win on Friday night against Lithuania.
“Italy made one or two changes
but they’ve got to come here now and win the game to ensure qualification.
“We know what a battle it will be. We know what’s against us.
“We’ve now got to get ourselves rested and be ready for Monday night.”
Northern Ireland’s World Cup dream died last month and Baraclough blooded Nottingham Forest striker Dale Taylor, 17, against Lithuania as he prepares for the Nations League in June.
Taylor (below), who has yet to play a senior game for Forest, was positive on his debut off the bench.
And Baraclough says he is taking international football in his stride. “He’s just not been fazed by it all,” he said. “He dealt with everything thrown at him.
“There were a couple of times in training when he showed a flash of
brilliance. He will be better for this
experience.”