No favours for favourites in World Cup qualifying

France and Portugal will be made to work hard for their place at next year's World Cup finals, after being given arguably the two toughest draws in the play-off stage.

The 2006 runners up France, were beaten into second place in their qualifying group by Serbia. They now play the Republic of Ireland, who are unbeaten under current boss Giovanni Trappattoni.

Trappattoni's men won a lot of praise for their performances in a difficult group, that also included France's World Cup conquerors, Italy. The Irish drew home and away against the holders and will be looking to take that good form into the World Cup play-off games.

The Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney said: "I've spoken to the manager, he's quite relaxed about it.

"We don't lose games on many goals, we don't win games on many goals. I wouldn't expect that pattern to change."

France boss Raymond Domenech has come under almost relentless pressure since leading the nation to an early exit at Euro 2008 and defeat to the Republic could signal the end of his five year tenure. However, like Delaney, he too seems quietly confident.

"They're a team who have not lost in qualifying, who drew with Italy in their last game after conceding a late goal." said the 57 year old. "We know they're tough, but so are we."

Meanwhile, Christiano Ronaldo's Portugal will be happy just to have reached the play-offs, after a slow start to the group stage, which included an embarrassing draw with Albania, very nearly put paid to any hopes of qualification and ruined their odds of winning the World Cup.

Under pressure boss Carlos Queiroz will have been hoping for an easier time in the play-offs but unfortunately for him, Portugal have been drawn against a highly talented Bosnia-Herzegovina side.

The Bosnians may well have qualified automatically had they not been drawn in a group alongside European champions Spain. Nevertheless, they will fancy their chances against a Portugal team that could be without their World Footballer of the Year, who was injured during a recent qualifier with Hungary.

Play-off draw in full:

Republic of Ireland v France

Portugal v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Greece v Ukraine

Russia v Slovenia

Source: ScoresPro.com

Heskey considers future as England ring the changes

England striker Emile Heskey may leave Aston Villa during the January transfer window in a bid to cement his place at next year's World Cup.

The 31 year old has been a regular under national boss Fabio Capello but has struggled to break into the Villa first team of late and may now decide that a transfer is the best option.

"I will have to sit down and think about my next move," said Heskey.

"I don't know whether I can get a World Cup place if I'm not playing for Villa."

His concerns appear well founded, with Capello previously stating that his players should be fully fit and playing regular football if they are to make his squad. Heskey is not currently fulfilling the second criterion and fears that he may find his international future in jeopardy if the situation doesn't change soon.

He continued: "I'm happy to be playing for England and, obviously, not playing at club level is difficult,

"It's something I will have to look at when I get back and try to address it."

In the meantime, it does seem likely that Heskey will start England's next match at home to Belarus, as fellow striker Wayne Rooney has withdrawn from the squad with a calf injury.

Rooney picked up the knock in Saturday's defeat to Ukraine and is one of a number of players set to miss the final World Cup qualifying match.

Also sidelined is goalkeeper Robert Green, who is suspended and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who is a doubt with a groin problem.

Green was sent off against Ukraine after bringing down Artem Milevskiy and he is likely to be replaced by David James. Manchester United's Ben Foster has also been drafted into the squad.

Source: ScoresPro.com