Ireland performed remarkably well in the group stages and finished third behind Germany and Poland in Group D. They will now be hoping to continue their good form as they face Bosnia over two legs to determine which side advances to the illustrious tournament.
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has praised his opponents on Friday claiming that they are a strong side. However the former Aston Villa manager is hopeful his side can produce the goods especially in the second leg when they play in front of their own fans.
"After finishing third in a difficult qualifying group, we enter into the play-offs against a very good team in Bosnia and Herzegovina," said O'Neill.
"I think they are strong and are coming good at the right time, but we're going in with confidence.
"Our fate is in our own hands and we will be doing all that we can to qualify for next summer’s finals.
"We will play the second leg at the Aviva Stadium and that is a big plus for us because the Irish supporters were fantastic in our last game there against Germany and we know that there will be a similar atmosphere for this play-off."
Ireland will be without Hull City midfielder Stephen Quinn who has been sidelined with an injury. Jonathan Walters and John O'Shea are part of the squad but will miss out on the first leg due to suspension. Whereas Southampton striker Shane Long is a doubt for the match after suffering an ankle injury in his last appearance for the national side.
Bosnia on the other hand come into this match at the back of a three match winning streak which allowed them to finish third in Group B, behind leaders Belgium and second placed Wales. They responded well to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Belgium in September to pick consecutive wins over Andorra, Wales and Cyprus.
Mehmed Bazdarevic's side achieved this success largely without the support of Roma frontman Edin Dzeko who is expected to return to the side for the playoffs. Bosnia enjoy a favourable record at home surface and are currently unbeaten in four matches on home soil.
Match facts
- The two sides have only met once which was back in May 2012 in a match Republic of Ireland won by a 1-0 score line thanks to a goal from Shane Long.
- Bosnia have won six of their last eight home games in all competitions having tasted defeat just once in the process.
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