O’neill urges Republic to draw on recent play-off experiences

Martin O’neill has called for his Republic of Ireland side to draw on their recent experiences after they were paired with Denmark in the play-offs for next summer’s World Cup.

Ireland secured a play-off spot after a 1-0 win in Wales last week was enough to seal second place in Group D behind winners Serbia.

This will be their eighth play-off appearance for either a World Cup or European Championship – making them the most experienced nation in such situations.

Ireland saw off Bosnia and Herzegovina in a play-off for Euro 2016 and, after being drawn against Denmark this time out, O’neill wants to tap into the memories of those games.

“I think we can draw from that experience,” he told Sky Sports News.

“We had two games against Bosnia, two very difficult games for us. The (away) game was shrouded in fog in the second half and we got that elusive away goal and were able to carry that momentum into Dublin. Because it is not that long ago I think we can draw something from that.

“Two games in quick succession, the turnover being very quick. Lets just go for it.

“We are delighted to be here first of all, we had a great win against Wales to propel us here and now lets take our chance.

“I’m delighted to be drawn away from home first so we will try and get some sort of advantage, or certainly negate Denmark’s advantage before we get to Dublin. It would a terrific achievement if we could make it but we have a long way to go.”

Denmark are currently regarded as the 19th best nation in the world and were the lowest-ranked of the seeded teams for yesterday’s draw in Zurich.

Ireland are only seven places beneath them in the latest Fifa rankings.

Elsewhere in the draw, Italy face Sweden and Croatia take on Greece with the two-legged ties taking place between November 9-14.