Ireland set for second seed status in Euro 2016 draw

The Republic of Ireland are expected to figure among the second seeds for the Euro 2016 qualifying draw in Nice on February 23 next year.

Despite a miserable failure to reach Brazil for the 2014 World Cup finals, Ireland’s ranking among Uefa-member national teams will be upgraded one level because of impressive progress in Giovanni Trapattoni’s first two campaigns in charge.

Uefa’s classification for seeding purposes is published every second year in November. The 2013 standings will take account of results in the 2010 World Cup qualifying and tournament stages (20%), Euro 2012 qualifying and tournament stages (40%), and the 2014 World Cup qualifying competition (40%).