Northern Ireland midfielder Chris Brunt has admitted that the team's focus is on a "positive performance" when they face Russia on Friday.
Russia are odds-on favourites to win the match in Moscow, and while Brunt has acknowledged the task his team are faced with, he believes that a positive display would set them up for their home match with Luxembourg on Tuesday night.
Brunt said: "We want to get a positive performance in Moscow. Russia is a difficult place to get a result, but our focus is on a positive performance," he said.
"We need a good performance going into Tuesday against Luxembourg. Home games are crucial in qualifying campaigns and this one will be no different."
The 27-year-old has scored one goal in 36 appearances for Northern Ireland.