Republic of Ireland to face Denmark in 2018 World Cup play-off as Northern Ireland face Switzerland

The Republic of Ireland will face Denmark in the qualification play-offs for the 2018 World Cup, with Northern Ireland paired with Switzerland.

The draw, which took place at Fifa's headquarter in Zurich on Tuesday afternoon, is a generous one for both Irish sides as it means they avoid play-off heavyweights Italy and Croatia, with all ties being played over two legs next month

Northern Ireland, who finished second in Group C to reigning world champions Germany, will fancy their chances against a Switzerland side that finished runners-up in Group B behind Euro 2016 winners Portugal.

For the Republic of Ireland, the draw is slightly tougher as Denmark qualified for the play-offs from Group E behind Poland, who they would have finished ahead of had they beaten them in the final round of fixtures earlier this month. Martin O'Neill's side, who finished behind Serbia in Group D, will still pose a major threat though, given they eliminated European Championship semi-finalists Wales in a winner-takes-all duel last week.

2018 World Cup play-off draw

(First team will host first leg)

Northern Ireland vs Switzerland

Croatia vs Greece

Denmark vs Republic of Ireland

Sweden vs Italy

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill expressed his delight with the draw, with the 48-year-old believing that the Swiss came through the easiest group, and his side will host the first leg at Windsor Park before travelling to Switzerland for the second leg.

"We're pleased with the draw," he said immediately afterwards. "We're pleased to miss Italy and Croatia. Switzerland will be a formidable opponent but I do believe they are an opponent we can overcome.

"It's a game I think we're capable of winning over 180 minutes. Switzerland had a great campaign but I think their qualification group was possibly the easiest."

Martin O'Neill meanwhile is looking forward to facing a former teammate in Age Hareide, whose Denmark side will host the first leg before travelling to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin for the return fixture.

"Naturally, we're just pleased to be in the draw. Being unseeded means it was always going to be a difficult tie. We're delighted to be in it," O'Neill said.

"I know the Denmark manager, we used to play together. It will be an interesting confrontation.

"If you ask most coaches, you want the second game at home. But with the rules like extra time, it gives the away team that chance to score in 120 minutes.

"We have momentum and that's important. We won last two games to get here. I'm now concerned with the next couple of weeks and making sure my players don't get injuries at club level."

Italy, who have not failed to qualify for the World Cup since 1958, will take on Sweden, while Croatia will meet Greece, who can become the first nation to qualify via the World Cup play-offs for the third consecutive tournament.

The first legs will be played between the 9-11 November, with the return fixtures taking place between 12-14 November.