Martin O’Neill: We’re in a dogfight, and maybe that’s no bad thing

Despite having made exceedingly heavy weather of salvaging a point against Austria, Ireland remain on course for the World Cup finals in Russia.

But this latest proof that, with four games remaining, qualification will be anything but plain-sailing is certainly not lost on Martin O’Neill. Indeed, he has even hinted that having to do it the hard way may better suit the Irish football temperament.

“We’re in a dogfight and maybe that’s no bad thing,” he says. “I think there’s a strength about the side. We lack a few things — but heart is not one of them. This group continues to prove to be a really tight affair with all three games on Sunday ending in draws. We remain unbeaten and joint top, alongside Serbia, after six games and it is still all to play for. Next up (in September) is a very difficult trip to Georgia before a quick turnaround a couple of days later at home to Serbia. Naturally, with only four games left every point is precious.”