Jason McAteer challenges Republic of Ireland to qualify for Euro 2016
Thursday 12 November 2015 13:41, UK
Jason McAteer has told Republic of Ireland to seize the moment in their Euro 2016 play-off against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
The former Liverpool midfielder was part of the Republic side that qualified for the 2002 World Cup with a play-off victory over Iran.
He told Sky Sports that it was one of the highlights of his career and hopes Ireland can make it through a two-legged showdown again.
"If you haven't played a play-off match you don't realise how big they are," he said.
"It's a two-year campaign, a lot of hard work, tears and laughter along the way, and to qualify for a major tournament is an unbelievable achievement.
"When it comes down to two games and you actually get through…I have never felt the rush and excitement like that.
"I know we were in Iran, which was a bit of a scary place, so that added into the factor, but the whole enormity of the game, you realise afterwards how big it is."
As a nation, Ireland are no strangers to the play-offs having tasted both the ecstasy and heartache while qualifying for tournaments.
And McAteer quick to highlight the importance a successful qualification campaign can have on those involved.
"It's like a cup final," he added. "It's very similar, if you are still in it in the second leg it's like a cup final. The major tournament is what every top player wants to play at.
"When you lose a few there is a disappointment but you go back into club football and it is forgotten about.
"When you win there is a big hype and then you have the tournament to look forward to. I don't think you grasp how big it is until you have gone through and won one."
Ireland travel to Zenica for the first play-off leg on Friday before welcoming Bosnia to the Aviva Stadium for the return leg three days later.
And, while acknowledging the quality of Bosnia's squad, McAteer believes home advantage could see Martin O'Neill's men seal their place at next summer's championships.
Live Euro 2016 Qualifiers
"Bosnia have some really good players. Their group wasn't easy either," he added.
"Ireland and Bosnia have had similar campaigns; decent starts, tricky spells in the middle, but Bosnia came back, only losing one of their last six. Both teams are in form, on paper Bosnia are probably the strongest team.
"But with the luck of the Irish and the fans there is no reason why we can't limit them to a 1-0, or even 2-0, defeat because at the Aviva with the crowd and a bit of luck we could win 3-0."
Watch Bosnia & Herzegovina v Republic of Ireland in the Euro 2016 qualification play-offs live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm, November 13 and 16.
