I would not like to face us in the play-offs, says Northern Ireland star

PADDY McNair believes there will be few nations relishing the prospect of a World Cup qualifying playoff against Northern Ireland after they pushed Germany all the way in Monday's 1-0 defeat at Windsor Park.

- Ian PARKER

Nick Woltemade's first international goal saw Germany leave Belfast with three points that keeps Julian Nagelsmann's side top of Group A but only after they survived a big late push from Northern Ireland, who had more attempts at goal and finished the stronger side in Belfast.

The defeat means Northern Ireland go into November's final two qualifiers - away to Slovakia and home to Luxembourg - third in the group, three points behind Germany and Slovakia.

Chances of topping the group are slim but Northern Ireland still have it in their hands to finish second to reach the playoffs, while there is also the safety net of a potential playoff place as reward for topping their Nations League group last year.