Tuesday 17 October 2017 20:20, UK
Martin O’Neill has urged the Republic of Ireland to "take our chance" after they were drawn against Denmark in the World Cup play-offs.
O'Neill was thrilled to avoid four-time World Cup winners Italy and believes playing the first leg away from home could work in his side's favour.
"We had a great win against Wales to propel us here," O'Neill told Sky Sports News. "Now, let's take our chance.
"I'm delighted to be drawn away from home first, to get and some get some advantage and negate Denmark's advantage before we get to Dublin."
O'Neill added: "If you were to ask all the coaches of the unseeded teams, none of us would have wanted to play Italy."
Ireland came through a two-legged play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina to qualify for last year's European Championships in France and O'Neill believes that will stand to his players as they attempt to reach their first World Cup since 2002.
"We can draw from that experience," he said. "We had two very difficult matches against Bosnia. The game was shrouded in fog for the second half [of the first leg] and we got that elusive away goal.
"We were able to carry that momentum into Dublin for the second game, which we won."
If you were to ask all the coaches of the unseeded teams, none of us would have wanted to play Italy.
Like their play-off against Bosnia, Ireland are on the road for the first leg, and O'Neill says it is imperative they get a positive result in Copenhagen.
"I'm hoping [playing the second leg at home] could have a big bearing in proceedings but we have to be going to Dublin with something still to play for," he warned.
"You don't want to be out of the competition before that game takes place.
"There are lots of things to take into consideration. First of all you've lots of players on yellow cards. I think you just have to leave that to the side because at the end of it all, people are picking up yellow cards for virtually nothing these days.
"Two games in quick succession, turnover being very quick, let's just go for it.
"It would be a terrific achievement if we could make it [to Russia] but we've a long way to go."
