Michael McGovern remains hopeful that Northern Ireland can qualify for the World Cup.

The Norwich City goalkeeper was beaten from the penalty spot by Ricardo Rodriguez in the 56th minute as Michael O’Neill’s side lost the first leg of their play-off against Switzerland 1-0 in Belfast.

“We’re still in the tie – it’s only one goal,” McGovern said. “We’ll go over there and give it a good shot.

“Switzerland are favourites but when we’re unfancied that’s when we can often come up trumps, so we’re looking forward to Sunday and fancy ourselves to go out and do it. We only conceded one goal so we don’t have to change our plans too much, as we know one goal will get us right back in it.”

MORE: Michael McGovern gets a raw deal in Northern Ireland’s World Cup play-off defeat to Switzerland

Norwich Evening News: Switzerland's Ricardo Rodriguez sends Michael McGovern the wrong way from the penalty spot in Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off first leg tie at Windsor Park. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.Switzerland's Ricardo Rodriguez sends Michael McGovern the wrong way from the penalty spot in Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off first leg tie at Windsor Park. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire. (Image: PA Wire)

Corry Evans was harshly penalised for handball for the penalty.

“We were disappointed with the manner of the penalty,” McGovern told Canaries.co.uk. “Most people would say it wasn’t a penalty but as frustrating as it is we can’t dwell on it and we have to move on and concentrate on the second leg.

“They didn’t have many chances and we were good defensively but we can play a lot better than that.”