Tuesday 10 October 2017 13:41, UK
Martin O'Neill has admitted he fears all potential opponents ahead of the World Cup play-off draw following Republic of Ireland's crucial victory over Wales in Cardiff.
James McClean scored the decisive goal during a tense encounter to see the visitors jump above their Group D counterparts into second place.
O'Neill insists his side face a huge task if they are to qualify for their first appearance in the World Cup since 2002 but insists nobody "would want to play us".
Ireland will be unseeded for the play-offs with the draw taking place next Tuesday and the prospect of facing the likes of Italy, Croatia and potentially Portugal who will face Switzerland tonight to decide who tops the Group B table, live on Sky Sports Football.
"Do I fear teams in there? Absolutely, every one of them, every single one of them. But I have always feared teams, it's the best way to be. And then we go out and beat them," said O'Neill.
"I think I speak for a lot of the nations in the play-offs - I don't think anyone would want to play Italy, I don't think anyone would want to be playing Portugal - although Portugal might beat Switzerland - and there are about six others I would rather not have.
"But I am delighted to be in it."
Meanwhile, O'Neill admitted there was no chance of Jon Walters returning to fitness in time for the play-offs and doubts Everton full-back Seamus Coleman will return in time either.
Coleman suffered a horrific leg break during the reverse qualifier in March and has not featured since, while Walters is missing with a knee injury.
He added: "I would have thought there was absolutely no chance of Jon Walters being back because he is out for quite a number of weeks.
"Seamus is doing really, really well and I know what Seamus is like. He has been magnificent for us here around about the camp.
"He's our captain on the field and off the field and it has been great to have him and Jon Walters, who are two big players for us, around the last few days.
"I couldn't call it. I'd have to speak to Alan Byrne, our doctor, but he hasn't played for some time and the play-offs are in early November."
