Sammy Clingan is still having nightmares about Poland’s equaliser but his South Africa 2010 dream hasn’t been booted into touch.

Heroic defending and some inspirational goalkeeping from Maik Taylor kept the Poles at bay in the Slaski Stadium until Mariusz Lewandowski conjured up an equaliser in the 80th minute.

However, a draw has kept qualification hopes alive and a win tomorrow night at home to Slovakia will see Nigel Worthington’s side travel to the Czech Republic next month still chasing a place on football’s greatest stage.

The Group Three leaders are two points clear of Northern Ireland but Worthington’s boys will feel the wind and Windsor roar at their backs.

A famous win in Poland would have left Northern Ireland in an even healthier position but Martin Paterson missed the chance to kill the hosts off and the late equaliser was a bitter pill to swallow for Clingan.

“We defended so well for the whole game and when they scored it was a hammer blow but that is football and these experiences make you stronger,” he said.

“It was a great performance and you could see how disappointed the lads were in the dressing room afterwards with their late equaliser.

“After going 1-0 in front we thought we could hold on and it was a bitter blow when they scored but we can hold our heads high. Getting a draw in Poland is an excellent result and I always felt that four points off Poland in this campaign would be superb.

“I think from back to front we did really well, particularly in the first 45 minutes. We were causing them problems up front and it was up to us in midfield to back them up.

“It was a good first half performance and it was unfortunate that Kyle (Lafferty) got injured at the start of the second half.

“He was causing them big problems and his injury is a massive blow to us. Kyle showed a lot of energy, he was strong and got at their defenders.

“He had a chance to score just before his goal when he showed great strength and pace to create an opening. He will be a big loss but I’m sure there will be someone there to fill his boots.”

The Green and White Army will be in fine voice tomorrow night and no wonder. In the Slaski Stadium, as Northern Ireland switched on the style in the first half, they chanted “It’s just like watching Brazil”.

It was hard to disagree with them.

The Coventry City midfielder added: “The atmosphere at Windsor Park is unreal under lights, particularly on a Wednesday night.

“These are two massive games with a lot at stake and the boys will be really up for it.

“We knew Poland would be tough in their own backyard. The atmosphere was fantastic and it was great to be involved in games like that.

“But the lads can take confidence from that match and take it into the Slovakia game.

“Three points on Wednesday would set us up for a great final game.

“Slovakia are a good side, they have been top of the group for much of the campaign and I’m sure it will be a good game. They will arrive with a lot of confidence as they got a good draw against the Czech Republic who are a good side.

“It would be great if we could beat them.”

The prospect of the World Cup dream going up in smoke at Windsor Park does not enter Clingan’s thinking.

“It would be a shame to see things go wrong at Windsor but we are looking at the game in a positive manner after a good performance in Poland,” he added.

“We will be looking to do the same against Slovakia.”