John Aldridge doubts Republic of Ireland will qualify for World Cup

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.