Northern Ireland boss will ask the Republic of Ireland for help with Euro 2016 draw

Northern Ireland were drawn with world champions Germany for Euro 2016

MICHAEL O'NEILL will seek help from his Republic of Ireland counterpart Martin O'Neill ahead of Northern Ireland's European Championship debut in France next summer.

 

O'Neill's side were placed in the same group as world champions Germany, Poland and Ukraine at the draw in Paris on Saturday.

The Republic of Ireland and Scotland played Germany and Poland in qualifying for the tournament, and O'Neill revealed he has already spoken to Republic assistant boss Roy Keane.

Republic manager Martin O'Neill and Scotland boss Gordon Strachan can also expect a call, and Michael O'Neill said: "I've actually just had a quick chat with Roy Keane and he was offering any help they can give us.

 

"We know a fair bit about Poland anyway and we obviously know the threat of [Robert] Lewandowski. The Ukrainians are a bit more unknown to us but one of the real strong points of our preparation has always been our level of detail on the opposition."

Northern Ireland have also drawn world champions Germany in qualification for the 2018 World Cup and Michael O'Neill said: "They were maybe the pot one team that I didn't want but, having been drawn in it and got my head around it, it's a fantastic game for us.

"To get the opportunity to play the world champions in Paris in a major tournament is going to be a great occasion. And hopefully when we get to that stage, which is our third game, we'll have a real prize at the end of that game."

The Republic will face Belgium, ranked No1 in the world, Italy and Sweden in a daunting group and Martin O'Neill said: "The group is tough but when I get over this initial moroseness, I will be absolutely fine."