Northern Ireland took a positive step towards the World Cup – now Michael McGovern aims to do likewise with the Championship play-offs.

The goalkeeper had a relatively trouble-free evening as Michael O'Neill's side beat Norway at Windsor Park on Sunday, to strengthen their second position in World Cup Qualifying Group C.

But now attention switches back to domestic matters and having reestablished himself as City's first-choice goalkeeper, McGovern is hopeful Norwich City's five-point gap to the Championship top six can be eradicated in time to extend their season.

City return with five games in the space of 17 days, starting at Villa Park on Saturday before an evening in front of the Sky cameras at high-flying Huddersfield Town four days later.

'It's still possible and we will be fighting all the way,' said McGovern. 'We got a good result (against Barnsley) and are only five points behind so we will keep fighting to the end.

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'We've had a difficult season and under-performed for a large part of it, but if we get in the play-offs it will give us a chance of promotion.

'I thought Huddersfield were up there with the best we've played this season. Newcastle are obviously a class above with the resources they have, but Huddersfield and Brighton were good and the table doesn't lie.

'They are a formidable team and next week's game will be a hard one.'

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