The Republic of Ireland could find themselves joint bottom of Euro 2004 qualifying Group 10 if Georgia can overcome Russia in Tbilisi tomorrow.

Hundreds of fans waited through the night to greet Ireland’s World Cup heroes as they landed just before dawn at Dublin Airport following a seven-hour fight from their play-off triumph in Tehran.

Iranian manager Miroslav Blazevic, who said he would hang himself if his team failed to beat the United Arab Emirates in the Asian play-off, has said the threat still stands for the World Cup play-off against Ireland this month.

Manchester United skipper Roy Keane will be ready to lead the Republic of Ireland in their quest for World Cup glory in the first leg of their crucial play-off against Iran at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

Mick McCarthy claims he has no worries about taking the Republic of Ireland to Iran for their World Cup play-off on November 15.

Midfielder Steven Reid does not expect a two-leg play-off against Iran to trouble the Republic of Ireland side who knocked Holland out of the World Cup.