Ireland set for second crack at the Euros

The Republic of Ireland have only qualified for the European Championships once before in their history - back in 1988 - but yesterday's draw presented them with a great chance to end their 24-year drought.

The 2012 instalment in Poland and Ukraine is likely to be the last chance for Shay Given, Richard Dunne and Robbie Keane to play in the competition but it's a strong possibility after they were drawn with Russia, Slovakia, Macedonia, Armenia and Andorra.

As third seeds, they could have had it far worse but instead have been paired with Russia, arguably the second weakest top seeds after Croatia, Slovakia, who Steve Staunton's Ireland got the better off in Euro 2008 qualifying, Macedonia - who don't travel well - and two complete minnows.

A top-two finish will be the minimum expectation but Giovanni Trapattoni's side look great value to win the whole group at [5.0]. Russia are [1.31] favourites despite last winning a qualifying group five campaigns ago.

We do, however, disagree with the verdict of the press that England couldn't have asked for a better draw than Switzerland, Bulgaria, Wales and Montenegro - who they meet in Group G.

The last international tournament that Switzerland weren't in attendance at was the 2002 World Cup, while Bulgaria are unremarkable but rarely beaten, while Premier League players have a habit of scoring against England in qualifying.

Drawing a fellow Home Nation is never a good thing: as England found out to their cost against Northern Ireland in 2005, they are far more likely to raise their game than the likes of Lithuania.

Montenegro, who lost just three of ten qualifiers in their first ever campaign as an independent nation were easily the worst nation to draw in pot five - and it means the group lacks obvious cannon fodder.

Fabio Capello's men look very short at [1.21] to win the group - would you be tempted to lay them?

Published: 10 Feb 2010 - Tags: Fabio Capello, Giovanni Trapattoni, Richard Dunne, Robbie Keane, Shay Given