Former Republic of Ireland international Chris Hughton is backing Giovanni Trapattoni’s men to take their World Cup form into the race for Euro 2012 qualification.
Ireland’s hopes of securing a place at this summer’s finals in South Africa were ripped apart when Thierry Henry’s infamous handball allowed William Gallas to score the goal which edged France through in a dramatic play-off in Paris in November.
Ireland’s unfortunate demise prompted an international debate, but they will get a chance to do their talking on the pitch when they resume competitive action in September after yesterday’s draw in Warsaw saw them pitched into battle with Russia, Slovakia, Macedonia, Armenia and Andorra in Group B.
Hughton said: “It’s a tough draw. The things you always look at are the quality of the teams you are going to play against.
“But you also look at the other aspects, which are the travelling, the accommodation and everything that goes with it, and it’s certainly a lot of travelling for the squad.
“But going by the performances in the World Cup campaign, I am quite confident they will do very well.”
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