Euro 2016: Republic skipper Keane targets play-off success
Last updated on .From the section Football
Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has urged his team-mates to grasp their second chance of making the Euro 2016 finals through the play-offs.
The 2-1 defeat by Poland on Sunday left the Republic third in the group and awaiting the 18 October play-offs draw.
"Look, we've been successful in the play-offs," said the LA Galaxy striker.
"Having that hunger and desire, knowing that there's a massive prize at the end of it - some players never get the chance to play in these competitions."
That play-off success came against Estonia four years ago, with the Republic winning 5-1 on aggregate to make the Euro 2012 finals.
Martin O'Neill's side needed a win or a draw of 2-2 or higher in Warsaw to clinch automatic qualification for France.
They are now likely to face Ukraine, Croatia, Bosnia, Sweden or Denmark over two legs next month.
"When you're in with a chance and you think you can take second spot, then of course it's a disappointment," added Keane.
"We've been lucky enough that we have quite a few who know what it's like, the atmosphere that gets created around it for everybody.
"To have a European Championship on your CV, that's an opportunity the lads certainly have to be mindful of.
"We all have to go on thinking we have a great chance regardless of who we get because we're a good team."
The Republic will go into the play-off first leg without suspended pair John O'Shea and Jonathan Walters.
