BURNLEY'S Steve Jones has been presented with a chance to force his way into Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington's first team plans.

Injury to Keith Gillespie has created an opening ahead of tomorrow's must-win Euro 2008 qualifier against Sweden in Stockholm.

Bristol City's Ivan Sproule is tipped to get the nod over Jones, after having more league action this season.

But Jones could still run the 26-year-old close in the race for a call-up, particularly after Sproule suggested he was contemplating a 12-month break from international football last month after failing to feature in defeats against Latvia and Iceland.

Gillespie's injury has also had a positive knock-on effect for Accrington Stanley defender Sean Webb, who has been drafted into the squad to swell the numbers.

Meanwhile, Graham Alexander could start for Scotland against Georgia tomorrow in the absence of fullback Alan Hutton.