Hazard dreaming of World Cup qualification

Conor Hazard was on the bench for Northern Ireland's last two matches

Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Conor Hazard is relishing the chance to try and reach the World Cup with Northern Ireland.

The 27-year-old was part of the squad for their win over Slovakia and narrow loss to Germany over the past international break.

It leaves Northern Ireland knowing wins over Slovakia and Luxembourg next month would secure at least a play-off place for next year's tournament in the United States.

"We know we have a big opportunity coming up next month now," he told BBC Radio Devon.

"I think we need a win, and four points would be ideal to try and get ourselves secure.

"Going to the World Cup or a major tournament like that, not many people get to experience that, so I'm sure everyone's in the same boat where we'll be trying everything we can."

Hazard has returned to fitness after missing four months with a knee injury suffered while playing for his country against Denmark in June.

It was the goalkeeper's second major injury in two campaigns at Home Park, having missed three months last season after undergoing ankle surgery.

"I haven't been very lucky with the injury front, obviously two contact injuries which were unavoidable," he said.

"It was a tough time in my career trying to get back from that, especially after getting a good run of games.

"But I'm back fit and ready to go."