‘We are a match for any team,’ says Jeff Hendrick

Jeff Hendrick doesn’t recall many of Ireland’s historical play-off successes, but the latest decider, in which he’ll play a central part next month, is certainly one he’s optimistic about overcoming.

As it becomes increasingly likely Martin O’Neill’s side can expect to be unseeded in Sunday’s draw for the Euro 2016 play-offs, so too does the heightened standard of opposition.

Croatia, Sweden and Ukraine all represent formidable opposition over two legs. Yet, nothing on the scale Hendrick and his colleagues nullified during a momentous night at Lansdowne Road five days ago.