Euro 2016 qualifiers: Republic of Ireland target crucial Georgia win

After climbing above Scotland to third place in Group D, the Republic of Ireland can close in on Euro 2016 qualification with a victory over Georgia on home soil, a nation they have beaten in all six of their previous meetings stretching back to 2003.

Martin O’Neill’s Boys in Green comfortably rallied to a 4-0 triumph over group whipping boys Gibraltar, a result which saw them move within two points of an automatic qualification spot which Poland currently hold.

The Irish are 7/4 with Coral to earn a win at the Aviva Stadium by two or more goals (max stake £20), with Georgia having struggled to make an impact in this tight Group D, despite a recent shock 1-0 win over Gordon Strachan’s stuttering Scots.

A demanding O’Neill has challenged his side to build upon their recent win over Gibraltar and push towards securing a place in France next summer.

“There is no point beating Gibraltar if we do not get it right on Monday night,” stated O’Neill. “It will not be easy because Georgia will be coming here on a high.

“They had a great victory over Scotland and there is a renewed spirit about them. We will have to deal with that.”

The Derry-born boss is set to be boosted by the return of Everton full back Seamus Coleman, after the Donegal defender sat out the previous triumph due to a hamstring injury, but the 26-year-old is likely to feature once again.

Derby County’s Cyrus Christie deputised in the absence of Coleman against Gibraltar and enjoyed an impressive second cap, striking his first international goal, though he is set to return to the bench this time out.