Martin O'Neill urges Republic of Ireland to draw on recent play-off experience

Ireland secured a play-off spot after a 1-0 win in Wales last week was enough to seal second place in Group D behind winners Serbia.

This will be their eighth play-off appearance for either a World Cup or European Championship - making them the most experienced nation in such situations.

Ireland saw off Bosnia and Herzegovina in a play-off for Euro 2016 and, after being drawn against Denmark this time out, O'Neill wants to tap into the memories of those games.

"I think we can draw from that experience," he told Sky Sports News.

"We had two games against Bosnia, two very difficult games for us. The (away) game was shrouded in fog in the second half and we got that elusive away goal and were able to carry that momentum into Dublin. Because it is not that long ago I think we can draw something from that.

"Two games in quick succession, the turnover being very quick. Lets just go for it. We are delighted to be here first of all, we had a great win against Wales to propel us here and now lets take our chance.

"I'm delighted to be drawn away from home first so we will try and get some sort of advantage, or certainly negate Denmark's advantage before we get to Dublin. It would a terrific achievement if we could make it but we have a long way to go."

Denmark are currently regarded as the 19th best nation in the world are were the lowest-ranked of the seeded teams for Tuesday's draw in Zurich.

Ireland are only seven places beneath them in the latest FIFA rankings and goalkeeper Darren Randolph admits Denmark was the tie he was hoping to land.

"I think everyone will be very happy with that draw, being away first leg and obviously second leg way in Dublin," he said.

"That was probably who I was looking out for yes, I'm happy with that draw."

Meanwhile, Randolph's Middlesbrough team-mate Cyrus Christie wants to seal qualification for Russia as a tribute to captain Seamus Coleman - who suffered a serious injury earlier in the qualification process and is still sidelined.

"Of course, that was mentioned," he said.

"With Seamus being injured we wanted to get to the World Cup for him, he is a big miss and he is our captain and at the end of the day he is a great player. If you asked many of the lads they would probably want to do it for him."

Elsewhere in the draw, Northern Ireland were paired with Switzerland, Italy face Sweden and Croatia take on Greece with the two-legged ties taking place between November 9-14.