MX23RW : Saturday, July 6 22:56:34| >> :600:1303740:1303740:

John Aldridge doubts Republic of Ireland will qualify for World Cup

Former striker John Aldridge has labelled the Republic of Ireland "very ordinary" after they draw Wales, Austria and Serbia in their 2018 World Cup qualifying group.

Former Republic of Ireland striker John Aldridge has played down their chances of earning a place at the 2018 World Cup, after the qualifying draw was made today.

Martin O'Neill's men will face Wales, Austria and Serbia, who were all seeded higher, in the group stage along with Moldova and Georgia.

Aldridge believes that Ireland are too reliant on striker Robbie Keane, and he fears younger players aren't good enough to step up.

He told BBC Sport: "Robbie Keane is getting on and there's nobody coming through in that area. That's a major worry. Nobody is playing in the big teams in the Premier League. All the players give their all but at the moment we're very ordinary."

Ireland haven't qualified for the World Cup since 2002.

ID:235411: cacheID:235411:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1418:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Newly appointed Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill shakes hands with John Delaney, Chief Executive of the FAI during a press conference at Gibson Hotel on November 09, 2013
Read Next:
O'Neill to remain as Ireland boss?
>
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Tuesday, July 9
 
8pm
Semi-Finals
Spain
vs.
France
Wednesday, July 10
Sunday, July 14
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!