Skipper hoping Wales can make a Speedy recovery

Gary Speed today warned Wales that they cannot afford a second World Cup qualifying slip-up against Northern Ireland on Wednesday.

They had been banking on three points from their game in Azerbaijan on Saturday but only managed a 1-1 draw.

Wales's group - which includes England - promises to be tight and captain Speed believes a win against Lawrie Sanchez's team in Cardiff is vital.

"We must win our home games," he said. "It will be a cracker on Wednesday but we mustn't worry too much about them, it is our performance that needs improving and we are determined to do that."

Speed scored Wales's goal but keeper Paul Jones failed to keep out a long-distance Rashad Sadikhov free-kick.

The Wolves stopper was disappointed with his attempt and sympathised with his blundering England counterpart David James, who made a costly error in his country's 2-2 draw in Austria. Jones said: "It happens to us all. I should keep things like that out, no goalkeeper likes getting beaten from long range.