Go out on our sword

Georgia, they could qualify automatically, but a win and a Serbia win could yet see them earn a playoff spot. Anything less than a win, and Ireland are out, but O’neill is doing his best to ensure the players give it their all.

“I’ve been involved in a few big games, a couple of European Cup wins as well, and I am going to tell you this is big, it’s a big game,” he said.

“To be involved in a World Cup when you are dealing with other nations and players and with a little bit of luck you could be in the same group as someone like Messi. It is fantastic.

“So don’t die wondering. You have to go for it. And we will go for it.”