Hughes says NI can upset Swedes

Aaron Hughes has missed NI's last three Euro 2008 qualifiers

Sweden v N Ireland
Stockholm
Wednesday, 17 October
Kick-off: 1930 BST
Coverage on BBC Radio 5live, Radio Ulster MW & the BBC Sport website

Aaron Hughes is convinced Northern Ireland still have a chance of qualifying for Euro 2008.

Successive defeats by Latvia and Iceland suggested the province's brave campaign was effectively over but fit-again Hughes begs to differ.

"We have caused upsets before, so why not again?" said the Fulham defender.

"When things are against us that is when we are at our best. There is no pressure on us, it is all on Sweden. We are still in it."

Interview: Aaron Hughes

Victory will see the Swedes qualifying for next year's finals in Austria and Switzerland.

With their final two games against Denmark at home and second-placed Spain in Las Palmas, Northern Ireland face a tough run-in but Hughes, who is certain to return as captain on Wednesday, is relishing the challenge.

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on Northern Ireland's game against Sweden on Wednesday

"We can go out and just play. We are not out of it despite what some people are saying, although we are going to have to do it the hard way.

"Maybe two victories and a draw will be good enough to see us qualify.

"Sweden know a win will guarantee them to go through. That is the carrot for them. But we want to keep ourselves in contention.

"Our success the past two or three years has been to concentrate on things we do best and stop the opposition playing."

The one constant in Northern Ireland's campaign has been the thrilling form of striker David Healy.

He took his tally to 12 in the qualifiers by scoring from the penalty spot against Iceland.

Healy bagged a brace in a memorable victory against Sweden at Windsor Park and Hughes added: "David only had a few chances in that game and he put two of them in the back of net.

"He is always a threat. We just have to get the ball to him."