We must repay fans: Sanchez

Lawrie Sanchez is determined his Northern Ireland team give the supporters a performance to be proud of against Wales this week.

The squad are due to arrive in Cardiff for their World Cup qualifier, knowing the pressure is already on.

A dreadful 3-0 defeat by Poland at Windsor Park in the opening game of the campaign brought to an end a six-match unbeaten run.

But the 14,000 capacity crowd continued to give their vocal support as the goals flew in, and Sanchez is anxious to repay them.

“We know we let the public down against Poland,” said the Northern Ireland manager.

"The fans gave us a fantastic welcome and got behind us, but the errors that were made cost us the game and the chance for us to give them the victory their support deserved.

“I know we have 5,000 fans going over and I’m sure they can inspire the boys as well with their vocal support. Now we have to make it up to them in Cardiff.”

Sanchez believes the pressure is as much on Wales – who drew in Azerbaijan - as it is on Northern Ireland.

“They were hoping to pick up six points out of six from their first two games, “ he said. "This has become a must-win game for them. But our record on the road since I took over is very good – we haven’t lost yet and I hope that run will continue.

“Northern Ireland haven’t secured a win at Windsor since 2001, and sometimes there is less pressure when you are away.

“We couldn’t be playing at a better stadium – the Millennium is a magnificent arena and will, I hope, inspire our players.”

Sanchez will make changes from the team which lost to Poland but has not gone into specifics of his plans.

Central defenders Stephen Craigan and Mark Williams looked out of their depth against the Poles and may be dropped.

George McCartney is likely to be recalled after suspension and could link up with captain Aaron Hughes.

Mark Clyde is a contender for the right-back role, while Tony Capaldi seems certain to retain his place on the left.

The team lacked width as well, and Sanchez may be tempted to recall Keith Gillespie. Although he is not getting regular games for Leicester, his experience could be vital in the electric atmosphere of the Millennium Stadium.

Steve Jones and Paul McVeigh are also pushing for places in the starting line-up as the former Wycombe boss weighs up his options.

Sanchez said: “There probably will be changes for the Welsh match but there were always going to be a few tactical switches anyway.

“We were always going to go 4-4-2 on Saturday and go for the win – the staff will have a chat, and we’ll talk with the players. I’ll then come up with a team who can do well in Cardiff.”

Sanchez is at pains to stress that the long road to 2006 in Germany has only just begun.

“Obviously everyone is down at the moment. If we can beat Wales everything changes – especially if England beat Poland and Austria and Azerbaijan draw.

“This is going to be a cut-throat group, with everyone taking points off each other.”