Republic of Ireland (9/4 with Betfred to qualify for South Africa) boss Giovanni Trapattoni is said to be ‘relaxed’ about the prospect of facing France in their World Cup play off.

The draw was made for the four European play-off matches on Monday and Ireland (6/4 to win the first leg at home)(will feel they were arguably handed the toughest task against the 2006 runners-up.

But having gone through their qualifying group without defeat, including two draws against Italy, Trapattoni is understandably confident about his squad’s chances of qualification.

Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney spoke to his manager after the draw and they both feel it will be tight over the two legs.

Delaney said: “We don’t lose games on many goals, we don’t win games on many goals. I wouldn’t expect that pattern to change.”

Elsewhere, Portugal were drawn against drew Bosnia-Hercegovina, Greece face Ukraine and Russia come up against Slovenia.

Check out all of Betfred’s World Cup qualifying markets ahead of the matches, which take place in November.