Rory McIlroy has admitted that he would be pleased if Northern Ireland were able to draw with Germany in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday night.

Northern Ireland play both the world champions and Norway in the space of three days as Michael O'Neill's team look to guarantee their place in the playoffs.

McIlroy - a regular at Lansdowne Road - has suggested that his nation may be capable of causing a surprise, but the four-time golf Major champion has acknowledged that he would accept a share of the spoils.

The 28-year-old is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: "If Germany play anything like Bayern Munich have been playing, Northern Ireland might have a chance.

"I don't know - I think we're close enough. We're in a good position in the table. Park the bus, nil-nil draw wouldn't be a bad result.

"Hopefully they get the job done, but it's been a great campaign and hopefully I'm making a trip to Moscow at some point next summer."

McIlroy attended Euro 2016 as Northern Ireland earned a place in the last 16 of the competition.