Montenegro manager backs Ireland to progress to World Cup

Montenegro boss Zoran Filipovic has backed the Republic of Ireland to emerge from the play-offs to reach the World Cup finals in South Africa.

Filipovic, who guided his side to their first competitive victory as an independent nation against Georgia at the weekend, might have added a second scalp had Slovakian referee Vladimir Hrinak spotted defender Paul McShane blocking Simon Vukcevic's 66th-minute shot with his arm.