Gillespie anxious to keep playing

WORLD CUP 2010 QUALIFYING GROUP EIGHT
SLOVAKIA V NORTHERN IRELAND
Venue: Bratislava Date: Saturday, 6 September Kick-off: 1630 BST Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Ulster, Updates on the BBC Sport website and BBC Radio 5 Live

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Video report: Northern Ireland prepare for Slovakia

Keith Gillespie has recovered from an ankle knock and is set to win his 82nd cap for Northern Ireland against Slovakia on Saturday.

The opening World Cup qualifier sees the Sheffield United winger entering his 15th season in an NI shirt, having won his first cap in 1994.

"Anyone who pulls on the green shirt is proud to do so," said the 33-year-old.

"I want to play for my country as long as I can. I've had a frustrating month with the injury but I am over it now."

Northern Ireland are aiming to get off to a good start in Group Eight, after finishing a creditable third in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

"It is especially nice at the moment with the way things are going. The confidence is high as we have a good mix of young and experienced players," added Gillespie.

"What we have to do now is to produce the football we did in the majority of those Euro qualifiers and eradicate the mistakes.

"If we can do that then we will have every chance of qualifying

"My feeling is we can beat anyone at home - just look at our results against England, Spain and Sweden. It is just our away form we have to improve on."