Martin O’Neill reveals No.1 priority

Any Ireland’s players tempted to rest on their Euro 2016 laurels were given a reality check by Martin O’Neill’s reminder that only top spot from their upcoming qualification group will secure a place at the 2018 World Cup.

Ireland head to Belgrade for their Group D opener on September 5 with justifiable momentum from the European Championships but, from the analysis conducted by the manager, there may be precious little margin for error in pursuit of a first appearance at the global showpiece since 2002.

Studying the threat posed by Wales, Austria and Serbia, O’Neill feels Ireland’s could be the pool marooned at the conclusion when eight of the second-placed side across the nine groups earn a play-off shot at reaching Russia.