Michael is hoping not to need his safety net

MICHAEL O'NEILL insists Northern Ireland's chance of earning a World Cup playoff qualifying spot via the Nations League won't dim their drive to secure a top-two finish in Group A.

- BY ALAN MARSHALL

Northern Ireland go into their final two group qualifiers this week in third - three points behind Germany and Slovakia.

If they can avoid defeat to Slovakia in Kosice on Friday and then beat Luxembourg at home on Monday, a top-two finish could be on the cards.

If they fall short, O'Neill's men are likely to end up in the playoffs anyway after winning their Nations League group last year.