Pauw insists Ireland will meet daunting challenge after 'very tough' playoff draw

Trip to either Scotland or Austria on October 6th stands in way of in-form Ireland and World Cup but manager insists "we don’t fear away games"

Focused on progress: Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Qualifier match between Slovakia and Republic of Ireland at National Training Centre in Senec, Slovakia. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Vera Pauw admits that the footballing gods could have been kinder in Friday’s World Cup playoff draw but the Republic of Ireland manager has declared that her side will be primed for the challenge.

Scotland host Austria at home on October 6th in the first playoff round. Ireland, one of three teams to be handed a bye to the second stage, will be on the road against whichever of them comes through that encounter.