Kevin Kilbane insists play-off draw holds no fear for Republic of Ireland

Published on Sunday 18 October 2009 23:10

KEVIN Kilbane insists the Republic of Ireland await today's draw for the World Cup play-offs afraid of no-one.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side will meet either France, Portugal, Russia or Greece over two legs on 14 and 18 November with a place at next summer's finals at stake.

The draw, to be made at Fifa's headquarters in Zurich at lunchtime, has been controversial following the decision to introduce seedings.

Republic coach Trapattoni has led the criticism of a system that was announced only last month, but international cap centurion Kilbane is confident his side will prevail whoever they draw.

"We knew from the results last weekend who the top four sides were probably going to be," said the Hull midfielder. "We are not happy about the way the seeding has gone but you have to move on from that.

"You can't really look at any side in terms of preference. They have all got dangerous players and qualities. I think we are confident of beating anyone over two legs.

"You focus on yourselves and be the team you have been throughout the campaign. Hopefully that will be enough. We've got a lot of players in the squad who are hungry and ready for a big tournament."

Alongside the Republic in pot two of the draw are the Ukraine, Bosnia- Herzegovina and Slovenia.