HAILED as a hero after Northern Ireland’s historic victory over England this time last year, Lawrie Sanchez had to field some harsh questions about his future yesterday in the wake of his team’s dismal start to their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

Sensibly, the manager kept a dignified silence when asked if many more results such as the 3-0 defeat by Iceland on Saturday would cost him his job, but if ever Sanchez needed a repeat of that heady performance against England at Windsor Park, this evening would be an opportune moment.

Spain have often flattered to deceive but will have been buoyed by a 4-0 win over Liechtenstein in their opening group F qualifier, Northern Ireland’s ignominious defensive display against Iceland and the quest for their 1,000th international goal.

Sanchez, who is likely to name an unchanged team, has told his players to impose their physicality straight from kick-off, while emphasising the need to take their chances. Northern Ireland made 70 forays into Iceland’s penalty area without success, the Scandinavians made only 17.

NORTHERN IRELAND (probable; 4-4-2): M Taylor (Birmingham City) — C Baird (Southampton), S Craigan (Motherwell), A Hughes (Aston Villa), T Capaldi (Plymouth Argyle) — K Gillespie (Sheffield United), S Clingan (Nottingham Forest), S Davis (Aston Villa), S Elliott (Hull City) — J Quinn (Northampton Town), D Healy (Leeds United).

SPAIN (probable; 4-3-1-2): I Casillas — S Ramos, C Puyol, P Ibañez, M Pernia — D Albelda, X Alonso, F Fàbregas — Raúl — F Torres, D Villa.

Referee: F de Bleeckere (Belgium).

TELEVISION: Live on BBC Two Northern Ireland from 8pm (kick-off 8.15pm).