O'Neill: Ireland not heading to France just to make up the numbers

An air of resignation engulfed the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2016 qualification hopes almost a year ago, after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Scotland in Dublin.

Gordon Strachan's men left the Aviva Stadium with a fortuitous point last June 13 after John O'Shea had unwittingly deflected Shaun Maloney's shot past goalkeeper Shay Given to leave the Scots, Germany and Poland seemingly battling it out for the two automatic qualification berths and the consolation prize of the play-offs.