Robinson gets surprise NI call-up

Stephen Robinson is in the squad for the crucial qualifier

Luton Town midfielder Stephen Robinson is set to be named in the Northern Ireland squad for next Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Sweden.

The 32-year-old made his debut a decade ago and won the last of his six caps in 2005 against Azerbaijan.

Keith Gillespie has been encouraged by his recovery from a hamstring injury but he remains a doubt for Stockholm.

The Sheffield United winger will make a decision on his availability later this week after consulting with his club.

Gillespie missed the weekend defeat against Bristol City but did some running on Monday and said there has been a big improvement since sustaining the injury last week.

Robinson's impressive recent form for the Hatters has earned him a surprise recall for the game in Stockholm.

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington will name his panel on Wednesday.

Worthington goes into the game without Damien Johnson and Michael Duff while Jonny Evans is also an injury doubt with an ankle problem.

Birmingham City midfielder Johnson is also likely to miss the last two qualifiers against Denmark and Spain after suffering a new hamstring injury.

Burnley defender Duff is definitely sidelined for the rest of the campaign because of a serious knee injury.

Northern Ireland take on Denmark at Windsor Park on 17 November and end the campaign in Spain four days later.

Nigel Worthington's team lie third in Group F, three points behind Sweden and Spain.