O’Neill gives Ireland critics a reality check

MARTIN O’NEILL has hit back at critics by reminding them that the Republic of Ireland are overachieving in their quest to reach the 2018 World Cup. The performance during Saturday’s 1-1 draw in Georgia was panned, with some labelling it ‘abysmal’. But while O’Neill admits he was disappointed with the display in Tbilisi, he has had enough of the negativity which has followed, especially as his side will go top if they beat Serbia tonight. ‘We were fourth seeds in this group, said O’Neill. ‘There were Wales, Austria, Serbia in front of us. What we’re trying to do is win a group that’s been difficult to start with. ‘If we can’t win the group, we’re going to try and get into the play-offs, which would mean finishing in front of teams rated better than us. We are in there fighting. We are unbeaten in the group at this moment, it’s hard to believe that.’