Tommy Wright was surprised by Northern Ireland's poor defending

Saturday's 3-0 defeat at home to Poland was a disastrous start for Lawrie Sanchez's side and Wright believes they need three points from Cardiff.

"I thought if we got four points from the first two matches it would give us a good base," said Wright.

"Northern Ireland have a habit of pulling off surprise results and they need to do it again on Wednesday."

Former Newcastle and Manchester City keeper Wright, who won 31 caps for Northern Ireland, said the manner of the Poland defeat will have disappointed boss Sanchez.

Lawrie has a big job to lift the team and he will probably make a few changes Tommy Wright

"It was surprising because the team had been defending well in recent matches," said Wright, now manager of Irish League club Limavady United.

"All the goals were preventable. Poland were well organised but they did not have to do a lot to beat us. That is what is hard to take for the manager and the supporters.

"There had been a lot of hype before the game because the team had been on a good run of results in friendlies. We got carried away a wee bit.

"As far as the group goes, you need to win your home games to be in with a chance of qualifying.

"Lawrie has a big job to lift the team and he will probably make a few changes.

"Wales are a smashing side so Northern Ireland face an uphill task. The Welsh have a lot of pace in players like Craig Bellamy and Rob Earnshaw and experienced guys like Gary Speed and John Hartson.

"Wales believe they have a great chance in the group but they will be smarting a bit after letting those two points slip away to Azerbaijan.