Former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane has called on the current Boys in Green to not be fazed against Bosnia and Herzegovina's big-name players and concentrate on getting through their Euro 2016 playoff.

Eight of Bosnia's likely starting XI on Friday play for top-flight clubs in England, Germany or Italy, with Edin Dzeko plying his trade for Roma and Asmir Begovic keeping goal for Chelsea.

Kilbane, however, told BBC Sport: "It is true that Bosnia have some talented players but I played against a lot of big names in my international career and I never let their reputations scare me.

"Hopefully the Republic players think the same way. They need to remember that, as a unit, they are capable of winning this tie.

"That is exactly what happened against Germany in qualifying, and beating the world champions should give them the belief that they can beat Bosnia too."

The first leg will be played at the Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica.

Written by
Giuseppe Labellarte