Martin O'Neill: World Cup qualifying draw "could have been worse"

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill has revealed that he was satisfied with his side's draw for their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.

O'Neill's men will face Wales, Serbia, Austria - who were all seeded higher in the draw - in Group D along with Moldova and Georgia, leaving them with a tough challenge to finish in the top two to secure a place in the competition in Russia.

However, the 63-year-old has conceded that the draw could have been worse for his team

"I must admit, I was a wee bit concerned when Serbia came out after us," O'Neill told Sky Sports News. "I thought that would leave the top two teams pretty difficult.

"Austria are on a very good run at this moment, and obviously Wales have propelled themselves forward brilliantly recently.

"But overall, it's a draw we think is okay. It could have been worse, it could have been a lot better."

Ireland last qualified for the World Cup in 2002.