The Republic of Ireland's World Cup draw permutations: Stephen Kenny's hopes hang on a favour from Zurich pots

Ireland go into Monday's draw among the third seeds

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny watches on during the Extra.ie FAI Cup Semi-Final match between Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Before he returned to the Sky Sports studio, Roy Keane offered punditry closer to home when deadpanning four years ago: “Every draw these days is a difficult draw for Ireland”.

Keane was at that stage assisting Martin O’Neill and reacting to the fate handed them in the quest to reach the 2018 World Cup in Russia.