VIDEO: The 4 points on Martin O'Neill's to-do list

1. Retaining possession is key.

The fact Bosnia and Herzegovina enjoyed 59% possession during Friday night’s 1-1 draw was aided by Ireland’s propensity to continually give the ball away.

Irish players, most notably Glenn Whelan, repeatedly failed to find another white jersey, allowing Bosnia to push forward and create 14 scoring opportunities.

Ireland attempted 261 passes in Zenica, yet completed only 166. Contrast that to Bosnia’s 309 successful passes from 403 attempts and it’s clear O’Neill’s side require a drastic improvement.

2. Pray that John O’Shea is fit.

Ireland’s makeshift defence put in a commendable display in Zenica, especially Ciarán Clark and Richard Keogh. Yet, despite their resolute performances, John O’Shea must replace one of the aforementioned duo and return to the heart of the Irish back four.

The 34-year old missed the first leg due to suspension and is attempting to recover from a hamstring injury that could yet rule the Sunderland defender out of Martin O’Neill’s reckoning.

O’Shea has earned 103 caps and his experience of participating in previous play-offs means the centre-back should be an automatic choice provided he passes a fitness test.

3. Replace Daryl Murphy with Jonathan Walters.

Murphy was given the thankless task of leading the Irish attack while isolated up front. The Ipswich Town striker put in a decent shift but Walters should come straight back into the first 11 and replace Murphy for tonight’s encounter.

Stoke’s midfielder-cum-striker is enjoying a terrific season and recently signed a contract extension at the Britannia.

Shane Long is unlikely to make it and Robbie Keane will be on the bench so an in-form Walters appears O’Neill’s best option in attack.

4. Get the best out of Wes Hoolahan.

Wes Hoolahan’s surprise first- leg inclusion suggests O’Neill may be coming around to the idea the Norwich City midfielder represents Ireland’s most potent weapon when unlocking defences.

True, Hoolahan probably only earned a starting berth because of suspensions and spent most of the evening chasing down lost causes. Yet his selfless display and willingness to track back showed another side to Hoolahan’s game that is often ignored.

Tonight, O’Neill must push Hoolahan further forward and develop a plan that delivers the ball to the playmaker around the box.