SHAY McCartan hopes a big season for City could pave the way to his ticket to the World Cup finals.

McCartan, who scored twice in yesterday's private 3-2 win at Wigan, is looking to get back into Stuart McCall's plans for the weekend clash with Blackburn at Valley Parade.

The attacking midfielder was an unused substitute in the 1-0 win at Gillingham after recovering from a sore hamstring.

But he also harbours international ambitions with Northern Ireland following his debut in May.

Michael O'Neill's side are handily placed in the race for next summer's finals in Russia. Currently second in their group behind Germany, they have won four out of six qualifiers.

O'Neill is set to name his squad for the approaching double-header against San Marino and Czech Republic.

McCartan is hoping to be in his thoughts after making his first appearance for the green and white army. He came off the bench in a friendly against New Zealand and remained in the squad for the qualifying win over Azerbaijan.

McCartan said: "Playing in League Two for Accrington at the time and getting called up by your country was a great achievement. I was obviously doing something right and the manager seemed to like me.

"It will help to be playing in League One and hopefully I'll stay in the squad. Michael O'Neill has given me a chance and going up a league may be even more so."

Northern Ireland have a four-point advantage on the Czechs, who they face in a critical clash in Belfast on September 4. They play in San Marino the previous Friday.

McCartan said: "One second place misses out from qualifying but we're a strong second at the minute. We're doing really well but we've got to keep going.

"It's a good time to be involved and maybe going to Russia is a possibility if Northern Ireland qualify.

"Just 12 months ago you wouldn't say I was getting a call up, so you never know what to expect. You can never say never."

O'Neill said of McCartan: "Shay has a little bit of something extra. He's sharp, goes in behind and is a good finisher.

"He is the type who sometimes doesn't do a lot in a game but then scores a goal out of nothing."