Tough away games for Ireland teams

Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have both been handed tough draws in Thursday's World Cup play-off draw.

In Path A, Michael O'Neill's men are away to four-time World Cup winners Italy.

Should Northern Ireland get the better of the Azzuri they would face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away in the final.

The Republic of Ireland, meanwhile, travel to Prague to face the Czech Republic in Group D with the winners at home to either Denmark or North Macedonia in the final.

The dream, then, is still alive for both ahead of the games in March of next year.