VIDEO: Edin Dzeko not the only decent player for Bosnia

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill says that Edin Dzeko is a very important player for Bosnia, but he is not their only threat to Ireland’s Euro 2016 qualifying hopes.

Dzeko, who went on loan from Manchester City to Roma in the summer, has come back from injury recently and scored a goal for the Serie A club on Sunday, albeit a dubious penalty.

O’Neill said: “He’s a very, very important player, but we’ll deal with him accordingly.

“He’s a very difficult player, he’s proved that throughout his career at Manchester City and Roma.”

However, it is his link-up play with fellow Bosnian and Roma teammate Miralem Pjanic which has impressed in Italy, and O’Neill is also aware of Dzeko’s international scoring record, 44 goals in 74 games, impressive for a midfielder.

The Ireland boss said: “Obviously, to talk about Manchester City and Roma in the same breath suggests that he is a very good player, but he’s not the only decent player that they have and we have to work exceptionally hard to keep them at arm’s length.”