Monday 16 November 2015 21:17, UK
Martin O'Neill has warned his Republic of Ireland players that relying on their away goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina to seal their place at Euro 2016 would be a "recipe for disaster".
O'Neill's side returned from Zenica on Friday night with a 1-1 draw having come within three minutes of a victory that might have made Monday's second leg in Dublin more straightforward.
Still, Ireland hold the advantage ahead of the Aviva Stadium clash, but O'Neill says it would be a huge mistake to play for a 0-0 draw that would see them qualify for next summer's finals in France.
"Obviously, it would be terrific if we could do it, but I have to be very, very mindful of the fact that we are a long way away from doing that," he said.
"We have to put things into perspective: Bosnia are capable of scoring, they could wipe that advantage, that away goal that we have within minutes of the game, and then suddenly they are on the front foot.
"If we think that we can keep them out for 90 minutes and camp ourselves just outside our own penalty area, that would be a recipe for disaster.
"We have to consider being really on the front foot, genuinely, and going and trying to win this game, and that's it.
"If you'd thought that we'd have to win in the Aviva for the final time, you probably would have taken that."
Asked about his pride should his team complete the job, O'Neill said: "My pride in the side has been there from the start. I think the players have wanted to play.
"There was a feeling beforehand that some players just weren't that bothered about playing for their country - I haven't witnessed it and I haven't experienced it in the two years that I've been here."
However, the Ireland boss will need to pick a team which strikes the right balance between attack and solidity at the back with right-winger Edin Visca a particular focus following his eye-catching display at the Bilino Polje Stadium.
"They raid down the right-hand side because they've got a very, very fine right winger," he added. "What they want to do is try to get it out to the little lad, who is exceptionally talented.
"I think he could cause problems to anybody."
Watch the second leg between the Republic of Ireland and Bosnia-Herzegovina live on Sky Sports 1 from 7pm on November 16.
