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International round-up: Points Schär-ed in Belfast
Jamal Lewis played 90 minutes for Northern Ireland in Belfast on Wednesday – but was denied the chance to line up against Newcastle United teammate Fabian Schär in the 0-0 draw with Switzerland.
Lewis has been an important part of Ian Baraclough’s side during the current international break, starting their 4-1 World Cup qualifying win in Lithuania and their 1-0 friendly victory over Estonia.
And the 23-year-old was again named in the starting 11 for their qualifier against Schär’s outfit at Windsor Park, while the Swiss defender was among the substitutes for the visitors.
Lewis picked up a booking on the night but didn’t come face-to-face with fellow United defender Schär, who remained on the bench throughout.
Meanwhile, Emil Krafth returned to Sweden’s squad for their qualifier against Greece in Athens after missing their friendly win over Uzbekistan on Sunday.
The Magpies full back came off the bench for his country for the final quarter of an hour, replacing Mattias Johansson, with the score at 1-0 to the hosts.
But Krafth saw his side go two behind after Vangelis Pavlidis shortly after entering the fray, and despite Robin Quaison pulling a goal back with ten minutes remaining, Sweden weren’t able to salvage a point.
All three players are now due to return to Tyneside ahead of the resumption of the Premier League season.