Martin O’Neill has admitted Germany look set to be the outstanding side in Group D of the Euro 2016 qualifiers, but he insists there’s plenty to play for as Ireland go in search of qualification for a trip to France in 2 years time.

O’Neill admitted the last time Ireland and Germany met it was not an ideal game for the Irish, saying: "Well, [it was] difficult the last time that [Ireland and Germany] played in a couple of games.”

Germany will expect an easy route to the finals, with Ireland presenting one of the easier tests in the pot of second seeds. “Germany you would say are the outstanding side in the group, but there’s plenty to play for.”

Scotland provide a closer to home challenge, and Gordon Strachan and Martin O’Neill will face off as international managers for the first time.

“It will be great occasions I hope. I’m sure he’s looking forward to it, I’m sure he’ll be as excited as I am myself. It is great. It is tough. I’m sure there were other groups we would have prepared,” O’Neill said.