BELFAST (AFP) - Northern Ireland will begin their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign with a testing trip to Slovakia on September 6.

Nigel Worthington's side play their first home match four days later against Group 3 favourites Czech Republic at Windsor Park.

Worthington was keen to avoid consecutive away matches and was able to secure that wish. He also managed to ensure there are no June matches on the schedule because his side have traditionally struggled once the British domestic season is finished.

Fixture list: September 6 2008 Slovakia (a); September 10 Czech Republic (h); Oct 11 Slovenia (a); Oct 15 San Marino (h); Feb 11 2009 San Marino (a); March 28 Poland (h); April 1 Slovenia (h); Sept 5 Poland (a); Sept 9 Slovakia (h); Oct 14 Czech Republic (a)