Taylor to play on for N Ireland

Maik Taylor is playing regularly for Birmingham City

Spain v N Ireland
Estadio de Gran Canaria
Wednesday, 21 November
Kick-off: 1900 GMT
Live coverage on BBC Two N Ireland, BBC Radio Ulster & the BBC Sport website.

Northern Ireland goalkeeper Maik Taylor says he has no plans to retire from international football, even if the team fail to qualify for Euro 2008.

"If the manager thinks I can still do a job at international level, then I'm always available for my country," said the 36-year-old.

"If we don't qualify, we have still made massive strides and have quite a young squad who are gaining experience.

"We are improving all the time and can hopefully be even better next time."

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on Northern Ireland's prospects

Northern Ireland need to win in Spain in their final group match on Wednesday and also hope Sweden slip up against Latvia if they are to go through.

"We let ourselves down with the two results against Iceland and Latvia which gave us a mountain to climb," said Taylor.

"But if we don't qualify it will not be a failure considering where we have come from. We improved in the last campaign and we have improved again this campaign.

"Before we were 120th in the Fifa rankings so it was always going to be difficult but they have improved and if the draw is kind for the next tournament we will be in an even better group which gives us more of a chance.

"The change of manager mid-stream is not ideal because they have been two contrasting styles of play but the new manager has come in, we've changed things slightly in the way we approach and play the games."