Quinn aims for England shock en route to World Cup

NORTHERN IRELAND striker James Quinn believes Windsor Park could be the launching pad for a successful World Cup qualifying campaign.

England, Wales, Poland, Austria and Azerbaijan are due to visit Belfast. The side is beginning to show good progress under manager Lawrie Sanchez and secured a home draw against Serbia and Montenegro on Wednesday night.

Quinn, who plays for Dutch side Willem II, emphasised the changing mood in the camp with his first goal for his country in four years.

"By the time the World Cup qualifiers come around we could spring a surprise on England or Wales," he said. "They and the rest of the teams in our group certainly won't fancy coming to Windsor Park.

"You can feel we are going forward the fans can feel it too. The atmosphere was fantastic."

Out on the pitch though, the game became heated and Quinn claimed he was spat at. He was booked with teammate Tommy Doherty in the 78th minute, along with Werder Bremen defender Mladen Krstajic, as tempers boiled over.

Quinn said: "I have never been spat at in my life and I found it very degrading. I just lost it and must learn to control my temper. Being spat at is not very nice."

Quinn is hoping he did enough to claim a place in the squad for a three-match Caribbean tour which begins at the end of May.

"There is a feeling of excitement among the boys that hasn't been around for a long time," he said.

"Like the rest of the players I want to be part of the tour squad to stake my claim for a place in the side."