Qualification still possible - Healy

David Healy believes Northern Ireland can maintain their unlikely challenge for a place in Euro 2008 when they face Denmark next month.

Nigel Worthington's side need to win at Windsor Park and defeat Spain in their final qualifier if they are to have any hope of booking a ticket to Austria and Switzerland.

It is a huge task against two nations with a fine football pedigree but record scorer Healy is quietly confident of pulling off a remarkable double.

The Fulham striker was heartened by last night's display in Stockholm when they bounced back to secure a point against group leaders Sweden following back-to-back defeats to Latvia and Iceland.

Healy said: "We know we must now beat Denmark and I am sure we will take the opportunity."

Northern Ireland secured a point against Sweden, and delayed their likely appearance in the finals, thanks to a superb equaliser from Kyle Lafferty.

The Burnley striker (20) cancelled out the opener from Olof Mellberg with a wonderful solo effort.

Healy, with 12 goals in the campaign, praised his young partner, who unfortunately will miss the Denmark game after being booked last night.

He said: "People seem to forget that Kyle is still so young and we were all delighted for him. What a goal it was."

Manager Nigel Worthington insists the campaign still has a way to run and Healy took time out to praise the former Norwich boss.

"I am pleased for Nigel. A lot was said after the last two games and a lesser man would have been sunk," he added.

"Sometimes it is not down to the manager, 11 players let him down last month."

Sweden were stung by Northern Ireland's spirited response and left the pitch to a storm of booing at the Rasunda Stadium.

Healy claimed the hosts had taken "a battering."

He said: "Our kit man Derek McKinley went into the Swedish dressing room after the match to try and swap a few shirts but they were still locked in and not happy at what had happened. That just shows you how good a result this was. I think the Swedes should be chuffed that they got a point out of a game they were battered in.

"We knew we were more capable of getting this outcome and I think it bodes well for the future.

"I don't know if they took their foot of the gas after scoring but we kept the ball well, passed it well and went for the win. You could sense that their fans were getting edgy. They expected to win three or four nil but it just did not happen."  PA