UEFA have confirmed that Ireland will be in the second group of seeds for the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

In theory this will give Martin O'Neill's side an easier passage to the finals which have been expanded from 16 teams to 24.

The seeding means that Ireland will avoid Ukraine, Croatia, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Belgium, Czech Republic and Hungary in the draw which takes place on February 23rd.

The Boys in Green will face one of England, Spain, Germany, Italy, Holland, Portugal, Greece, Russia and Bosnia-Herzegovina who were named as the top seeds for the qualifying phase.

Ireland will also face tricky opposition from Pot 3 which includes the likes of Serbia, Turkey and an Austria team who beat Giovanni Trapattoni's team in Vienna four months ago.

France are also included in nine-group qualifying phase.

But Les Bleus qualify automatically and their games are regarded as glorified friendlies.

UEFA also confirmed that Spain and Gibraltar will be kept apart in the qualifying draw.

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, will be involved in the tournament for the first time after attaining full UEFA membership.

The status of the island has long been disputed by the Spanish.

 

Pot 1: Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, England, Portugal, Greece, Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Pot 2: Ukraine, Croatia, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, Republic of Ireland

Pot 3: Serbia, Turkey, Slovenia, Israel, Norway, Slovakia, Romania, Austria, Poland

Pot 4: Montenegro, Armenia, Scotland, Finland, Latvia, Wales, Bulgaria, Estonia, Belarus

Pot 5: Iceland, Northern Ireland, Albania, Lithuania, Moldova, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Cyprus

Pot 6: Luxembourg, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein, Faroe Islands, Malta, Andorra, San Marino, Gibraltar

  

Let us know what you would consider as the worst possible draw for Ireland below.

 

Image: Ireland's Seamus Coleman and David Alaba of Austria ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan