'We'll take our chance' Martin O'Neill preparing for World Cup play-offs after Wales win

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Standard Sport9 October 2017

Martin O’Neill says his Republic of Ireland side will ‘take their chance’ after James McClean’s goal in Cardiff booked their place in the World Cup qualifying play-offs at the expense of Wales.

After withstanding early pressure from their hosts, the visitors looked to frustrate Chris Coleman’s side, going into the break level.

After the interval Robbie Brady pounced as Ashley Williams struggled with a short ball from ‘keeper Wayne Hennessey to break to the left and square to McClean, who finished smartly.

O'Neill was relieved to hear the final whistle after his side were forced to withstand a late bombardment by the home side.

"For us to come here and win on their territory is a great result," he said.

"The last half-hour seemed like an eternity as we had to withstand pressure, as you would expect, but also we knew at some stage we would have to try and win the game and we did it.

"It was great goal, worthy of winning any game. We're in the play-offs...so whenever the draw is made we'll take our chance.

"When the draw was made I thought outside any side involved in Spain and Italy's group - two world-class sides - I thought we had a very, very difficult group. I thought anybody who finished in front of Serbia would probably win it.

"We were fourth seeds so we've come through and we've been fantastic."

Additional reporting by the Press Association

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