SAINTS defender Chris Baird could return to the Northern Ireland squad today.

But he might not be fit to play after tearing a groin muscle against Colchester last week.

Manager Lawrie Sanchez was naming his squad for the back-to-back Euro 2008 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Sweden, beginning on Saturday in Vaduz.

Baird missed Ireland's last game, a 0-0 friendly draw with Wales in Belfast in February, through injury.

Baird will definitely be out for the Liechtenstein game and will be assessed ahead of the Sweden match next week.

The province have kicked on after losing to Iceland in their opening qualifier and are on a healthy total of seven points and up to 47 in the FIFA rankings.

Victories against Spain and Latvia with a draw in-between with Denmark has increased the mood of optimism in the camp.