Sanchez upbeat on N Ireland hopes

Z_Ho

Lawrie Sanchez believes Northern Ireland still have a good chance of qualifying for the Euro 2008 finals.

Sanchez, who quit as Northern Ireland boss to become Fulham manager in May, is forecasting wins against Denmark and Spain later this month.

"I'm sure NI can beat the Danes and if the Spain result (against Sweden) goes their way it all comes down to the final game in Las Palmas," he said.

"If it does then I've no doubt NI will get the result to go through."

Northern Ireland go into the double-header five points behind Spain and a further point adrift of Group F leaders Sweden.

Nigel Worthington is the new man at the helm but Sanchez does not believe Northern Ireland's hopes depend on his successor.

"It's all about the players and what they want to achieve," he added.

"There were little hiccups in Latvia and Iceland but the team got back on track with a good performance against Sweden.

"A good display against Denmark will bring three points and hopefully it will go down to the last match in Spain."