NUFC duo shine in World Cup qualifiers - A timely reminder to Eddie Howe?

Fabian Schar’s Switzerland brushed Bulgaria aside 4-0 to qualify for next winter’s World Cup, with a little help from his Toon teammate Jamal Lewis…

Northern Ireland held Italy to a goalless draw at Windsor Park, meaning that the European champions will have to qualify for the finals in Qatar via the play-offs early next year.

Switzerland finished as surprise winners of Group C, guaranteeing Schar’s place in the tournament providing he can stay injury-free.

Lewis - who has played more times for his national team than NUFC this season - started off shaky, but eventually impressed and was involved in his side’s best two moves of the match down the left flank.

Schar managed to keep a clean sheet for the Swiss - something that we have failed to do so far in the league - and showed his quality on the ball throughout to give Eddie Howe more food for thought ahead of this weekend’s clash with Brentford.

Two players who have barely had a look in this campaign could be rejuvenated now there is a new man in the dugout.