Baird leaves Northern Ireland squad

Chris Baird has been forced to withdraw from the Northern Ireland squad and now faces a race to be fit for Southampton's game against Wolves.

He missed the 4-1 win over Liechtenstein but had hoped to face Sweden tomorrow but will miss the match with a groin strain.

He told the official site: 'It is still very sore. There was no way I was going to be right for tomorrow but I still have not given up hope for Saturday.

It happened in the game against Colchester when I just over-stretched and slipped at the same time and pulled it.

'I am desperately disappointed to be missing the game against Sweden because if we win we go top of the group!

It was a fantastic win for the lads in Liechtenstein which has kept the momentum going for us ahead of the Sweden game.

'They are going well so it will be a real tough game tomorrow but if we keep playing as we have been doing then I am sure we can get a result.'

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