NORTHERN IRELAND’S slim hopes of a Euro 2012 play-off – and possibly Nigel Worthington’s prospects of a new contract – were finally extinguished with a second defeat at the hands of lowly Estonia.

Nigel Worthington expects Steven Davis to bounce back after his error dealt Northern Ireland’s hopes of reaching Euro 2012 a critical blow.

Northern Ireland 4 Faroe Islands 0

Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland 0 Slovenia 0

Johnny Gorman made his first competitive start for Northern Ireland as Nigel Worthington’s side attempted to extend their unbeaten run in Group C to four matches in a deserted Crvena Zvezda Stadium.

NORTHERN IRELAND have only one chance remaining of making it to the World Cup finals after this setback at a stunned Windsor Park.

Burnley striker Martin Paterson has been drafted into the Northern Ireland starting line-up for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Slovakia at Windsor Park tonight.

IPSWICH manager Roy Keane blasted his side’s defending as they began the Coca-Cola Championship season with a 2-1 defeat at Coventry yesterday.

NORTHERN IRELAND manager Nigel Worthington told his players to continue dreaming of a place at the World Cup after Warren Feeney earned them victory over Group Three rivals Slovenia.

Norwich midfielder Sammy Clingan has been ruled out of Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against San Marino tomorrow because of a thigh strain.

Northern Ireland 0 Hungary 2

Sammy Clingan, Stephen Craigan and Michael Duff have withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and San Marino, the Irish Football Association have confirmed.

NIGEL WORTHINGTON is hoping for a touch of home comforts on Wednesday when Northern Ireland aim to get their World Cup qualifying campaign up and running.

GEORGE BURLEY was left still seeking his first win as Scotland manager heading into next month’s World Cup qualifiers after being held to a goalless stalemate by Northern Ireland at Hampden.

NIGEL WORTHINGTON believes Northern Ireland can upset the odds and qualify for Euro 2008.

NORTHERN IRELAND have only an outside chance of qualifying for Euro 2008 after their second successive defeat.

NORTHERN IRELAND showed their stubborn side last night as Wales, who face the Republic of Ireland next month, lacked inspiration and failed to fire at a freezing Windsor Park.

Chelsea captain John Terry was deemed just not fit enough to play any part in their FA Cup fourth-round tie with Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge.

NORTHERN IRELAND manager Lawrie Sanchez hailed his side’s powers of recovery as they entered the winter recess in a healthy position after beating Latvia 1-0 at Windsor Park.

Northern Ireland 1 Latvia 0

LAWRIE SANCHEZ fears that Northern Ireland’s rising mood of optimism in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign could be curtailed on Wednesday.

FIFA has told Northern Ireland their players must hold British passports if they are to represent their country.

Ukraine Under-21 1 N Ireland Under-21 0

Wolves boss Dave Jones has injury concerns ahead of his club’s Premiership debut at Blackburn tomorrow.