Sanchez plays down NI prospects

Lawrie Sanchez's team play Sweden in Belfast next Wednesday

Group F: Liechtenstein v NI
Date: Saturday 24 March
Kick-off: 1915 GMT
Venue: Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz
Coverage: Live on BBC Two NI, updates on the BBC Sport website

Lawrie Sanchez is refusing to get carried away by the prospect of his Northern Ireland side going second in their Euro 2008 qualifying group.

Victory against Liechtenstein on Saturday coupled with Denmark failing to beat Spain on the same evening would put Northern Ireland in second place.

That would set up a showdown with Sweden at Windsor Park next Wednesday.

"We will know whether we have a realistic chance when we face Liechtenstein in August," said Sanchez.

Spain are struggling after losing to both Northern Ireland and Sweden and, with only three points from three games, are in desperate need of a victory in front of their own fans.

However Sanchez is urging a note of caution about his own side's prospects of automatic qualification from Group F.

Northern Ireland are level on seven points with Denmark, who lie second on goal difference while Sweden have taken maximum points from four games.

Sanchez said: "Spain cannot afford to lose another game. If they suffer three defeats I don't think they will qualify.

I just wanted to take the players away, quietly, and do our preparation work Lawrie Sanchez

"They have got to start winning the rest of their games."

Sanchez believes it is important his players have some quiet time in training before departing for Vaduz on Thursday. That is why the sessions will be closed until Friday.

Explaining his decision, he said: "There is a lot of hype about the game on Saturday.

"Once we arrive in Liechtenstein there will be a lot of pressure on the players, a lot of people are just expecting us to turn up and win.

"I just wanted to take the players away, quietly, and do our preparation work before getting into what will be a cauldron.

"I thought a couple of days where we could get our thoughts right and do some good training without any distractions would be of benefit."