Republic of Ireland: O'Neill wary of threat posed by Lewandowski

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill is wary of the threat posed by in-form Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski ahead of his side's crucial Euro 2016 qualifier in Warsaw.

Three points on Sunday would ensure a top-two finish in Group D while a draw of 2-2 or higher would also be enough to secure the trip to the finals in France next summer.

"Outside of the very, very best players in the world, Ronaldo and Messi, Lewandowski is in a bracket of players that aren't far behind, he's really brilliant," said O'Neill.

The Republic of Ireland boss begins however by responding to a question about the absence of Ajax striker Arkadivsz Milik, who misses the game with a hip complaint sustained in the 2-2 draw with Scotland on Thursday.