Whitley set to win NI fitness fight

Jeff Whitley is winning his fight to be fit for Northern Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on Saturday.

The influential Sunderland midfielder has been suffering from a tight hamstring since arriving in Baku on Tuesday.

But after a training session this morning, manager Lawrie Sanchez said: “Jeff is fine. There are no problems with his fitness.”

Whitley has become a key player for Northern Ireland and scored in the 2-2 draw against Wales in their last qualifier.