In-form Blackpool striker Shayne Lavery is plotting a “special night” against the Swiss after stabbing home his first international goal against Lithuania in Vilnius.
Thursday’s crucial 4-1 win at the LFF Stadionas has got Northern Ireland right back in the mix with Switzerland and Italy in World Cup qualifying Group C.
Ian Baraclough’s men lie just two points below the second-placed Swiss who face pool leaders Italy in Basel tomorrow before travelling to Belfast on Wednesday night.
Lavery, who scored Northern Ireland’s third in Vilnius from close range, said: “We know how big three points against Switzerland would be for us in the group.
“I’m really looking forward to it, especially in front of our fans back at Windsor. We’ll have 16,000 there and hopefully it’s going to be a special night.”
Lavery, who has scored four goals in seven games for Blackpool since joining the Championship club from Linfield in June, says his eyes lit up for his goal.
“It was brilliant to finally get off the mark for the senior team,” he said. “I thought I could have had another one before half-time, but overall it was nice to get the goal.
“I saw JT (Jordan Thompson) and I knew with his delivery and technique, I’d just need to get across the front man and thankfully it went into the back of the net.
“I’ve been trying to get to the near post recently and a few of my goals for Blackpool have come from that this season. It was great to see it go in.”
Lavery praised goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell for making a vital penalty save at 2-1 when Lithuania were on the front foot and chasing an equaliser on the hour mark.
“It was a massive save for us because they were really starting to get into the game,” he said. “The lads showed massive character and composure to see it through.”
