Northern Ireland draw Switzerland in FIFA World Cup 2018 play-offs

Northern Ireland will face Switzerland across two legs next month for a place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The first leg will be held between November 9-11 at Windsor with the return fixture on November 12-14.

Northern Ireland have never contested a play-off before and face a difficult task after narrowly missing out on a seeded spot for the draw.

Michael O'Neill's side booked their place in the play-offs after finishing as runners-up to Germany in Group C and will now battle for a place at the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

Their impressive qualifying campaign included five staight victories and now they stand on the cusp of reaching successive major tournaments for the first time in their hostory.

Speaking ahead of the draw, O'Neill said: "It's exciting for everyone and it's a great position for us to be in, to come through the group and finish in second place behind the Germans and, as I've said all along, our World Cup starts in November."