Mick McCarthy accepts that to reach the Euro 2020 Finals, Ireland will now have to do it the hard way, after this morning's play-off draw put two away games in their path.

Germany and Holland secured their places at Euro 2020 from qualifying Group C as Northern Ireland were left to try their luck in the play-offs.

Denmark are second, three points behind the Republic of Ireland in Group D, after Christian Eriksen converted two penalties in a 6-0 rout of Gibraltar.

Eden Hazard scored twice as Belgium recovered from a blunder by Thibaut Courtois to beat Russia 3-1 last night and start European Championship qualifying campaign on a high.