Sanchez backing N Ireland

Former boss hopeful on qualification

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 13th September 2007

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Sanchez: Still a fan

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Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez believes Northern Ireland can still qualify for Euro 2008.

Sanchez stepped down as Northern Ireland manager in May to take on the reins at Craven Cottage on a full-time basis.

But he remains an avid follower of Northern Ireland and was disappointed to see them slip out of the top two this weekend following surprise defeats to Latvia and Iceland.

"I knew they'd be difficult games, from the very fact that we lost to Iceland in the first qualifier," Sanchez told Sky Sports News.

"But I thought the team had got past the stage of struggling in Iceland away.

"To be fair the performances were decent but it was about turning chances into goals.

"The goals that were conceded were unfortunate to say the least."

Uphill task

Northern Ireland have away games against Sweden and Spain still to play, as well as a home clash with Denmark, but Sanchez is unfazed by the reputations of those teams.

"It's an uphill task now but we've beaten Sweden and Spain before and if we do the same we'll qualify," he urged.

"Win the last three games and we're there. Everything is still alive until that is no longer available."