Northern Ireland thump Azerbaijan to boost World Cup qualifying hopes

Northern Ireland have beaten Azerbaijan by 4-0 in tonight's World  Cup Group C qualifier at Windsor Park in Belfast.

Michael O'Neill's side took the lead through Kyle Lafferty on 27 minutes.

Gareth McAuley doubled the lead on 40 minutes.

Conor McLaughlin sealed the issue with a third on 66 minutes - it was his first international goal.

And Chris Brunt added the fourth late on.

Northern Ireland are now second on goal difference, five points behind leaders group Germany.

Former Derry City player Niall McGinn, who is currently with Aberdeen, was an unused substitute.