Kyle Lafferty remains in contention to start the vital World Cup qualifier against Slovakia tomorrow night after doctors revealed surgery was not required on his injured knee.

Scans failed to show up any ligament damage, meaning the Rangers striker has a race against time to be fit for the Windsor Park date with the Group Three leaders.

A relieved Lafferty said: “It was a bit sore yesterday but it feels good now — I've trained on it. I knew there was a chance the scan would come back good — and it did.”

Lafferty sustained the injury during the second half of the 1-1 draw with Poland.

The hitman celebrated a stunning first half performance by firing his side in front but after the break his night took a turn for the worse when a collision with Dariusz Dudka forced him to leave the action.

Accrington Stanley striker Billy Kee has been called into the squad as cover.

On the prospects of qualification, Lafferty added: “It will be brilliant if we do make it, for the squad, the coaching staff and the fans — who've been exceptional.

“Every player wants to play at the highest level for club and country... we're so close now.”