Gillespie winning fitness battle

Keith Gillespie is hoping to win his 83rd cap in Belfast

Northern Ireland winger Keith Gillespie is winning his battle to be fit to face the Czech Republic in Wednesday night's World Cup qualifying game in Belfast.

Gillespie, who has been troubled by an ankle injury, took a knock and looked in some discomfort during the 2-1 defeat by Slovakia in Bratislava.

The Sheffield United player came off in the second half of the game but his condition improved overnight.

Gillespie will be hoping to win his 83rd cap against the group favourites.

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington is expecting a tough test against the Czechs in Belfast.

"We always seem to make the job hard for ourselves," he said.

"Now we have got to do it again. The Czechs are a very good team and we have a job on our hands but the crowd will be on our side.

"We know we will have to put in a performance if we are to get a good result from this match."