Kind draw for Republic and Northern Ireland

The Republic of Ireland will take on Denmark, and Northern Ireland will face Switzerland in the World Cup play-offs next month.

Both Irish sides were unseeded in yesterday’s draw and so could have faced Italy.

Switzerland are the highest-ranked team who failed to finish top of their group, but Michael O’neill feels his side have an excellent chance of reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

“It was going to be tough whoever we got, but we’re capable of going through to the finals,” said the Northern Ireland manager. “Switzerland had a good campaign, but we have a big opportunity to get to Russia. We’ll be prepared for Belfast. We’ve only lost one competitive game there in four years.”

As for the Republic, confidence is also high after beating Wales in Cardiff in their final game to take second place in their group behind Serbia. The fact the Irish also beat Bosnia in a play-off to reach the Euros in 2016 has fuelled their self-belief.

Denmark are ranked just seven places above the Republic by Fifa, and O’neill was happy with the draw.

“I’m delighted to be drawn away from home first, to negate Denmark’s advantage before we get to Dublin,” said Martin O’neill, who is on the cusp of leading the Republic to their first World Cup since 2002.

The first legs will be played between Nov 9 and 11, with the second legs between Nov 12 and 14.