Sproule is expected to get the nod over Steve Jones

Sweden v N Ireland
Stockholm
Wednesday, 17 October
Kick-off: 1930 BST
Coverage on BBCi, BBC Radio 5live, Radio Ulster MW & the BBC Sport website

Ivan Sproule is being tipped to replace injured Keith Gillespie in the Northern Ireland team for Wednesday's must-win Euro 2008 qualifier against Sweden.

The defence will show at least three changes from the defeat in Iceland with Chris Baird suspended and Jonny Evans and Michael Duff both injured.

Fit-again Aaron Hughes is certain to return while Stephen Craigan and Tony Capaldi are also candidates to start.

Kyle Lafferty is expected to replace suspended Warren Feeney in attack.

Bristol City player Sproule and Burnley's Steve Jones appear to be the players in contention to replace the Sheffield United winger.

However, Sproule is expected to get the nod for the Stockholm clash.

Nigel Worthington looks to have one major selection call to make in his defence with Capaldi or Gareth McAuley hoping to get the nod to join Hughes, Craigan and George McCartney in the Northern Ireland back four.

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on Northern Ireland's game against Sweden on Wednesday

Last week, Worthington drafted in Accrington Stanley defender Sean Webb and Glentoran striker Gary Hamilton as replacements for Evans and Gillespie.

Hamilton won five caps between 2003 and 2004 but has been in the international wilderness over the last three years.

Stephen Robinson also returned to the squad but winger Stuart Elliott was left out.

Luton Town midfielder Robinson made his debut a decade ago and won the last of his six caps in 2005 against Azerbaijan.

Northern Ireland take on Denmark at Windsor Park on 17 November and end the campaign in Spain four days later.

Nigel Worthington's team lie third in Group F, six points behind Sweden and Spain although they have a game in hand on the Spaniards.