Walters keeps Republic of Ireland’s World Cup hopes on track against Austria

Martin O’Neill has warned his Republic of Ireland players not to take a backward step as they strive to reach next year’s World Cup and knock one of their main rivals, Austria, out of the running.

Martin O’Neill’s side face Austria in a crucial qualifier at the Aviva Stadium, where 3 points would nearly certainly the end the visitors’ hopes of automatic qualification.

Kick off in is at 5pm.

Serbia’s Branislav Ivanovic, left, challenges Wales’ Sam Vokes during their World Cup Group D qualifying match at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade, Serbia, Sunday, June 11, 2017.

After a sustained push during the second half, Ireland exhausted during added-on time but a point is enough for them to remain in a strong position to at least earn a playoff spot at the end of the year.

Austria’s Zlatko Junuzovic in action against Ireland in 2013.

The Stoke striker brilliantly brought down a long ball to fire home past Heinz Lindner in the Austrian goal.

A corner from the left was dummied by two Austrian players and defender Martin Hinteregger fired a shot past the keeper Darren Randolph.

But Keane has brushed aside talk of players who will not be involved on Sunday – Austria boss Marcel Koller could be without six of the men who started the 1-0 defeat to Ireland in Vienna in November, while full-back Andreas Ulmer will be missing because he is getting married.

Walters cancelled out Martin Hinteregger’s first-half strike with five minutes remaining – and moments later Shane Duffy had what he thought was a victor ruled out.

Chances were few and far between for Ireland in first half with John Walters coming the closest sequin a short wide from the edge of the box.

Aiden McGeady then came on as O’Neill went all-out-attack, and Long’s header was cleared off the line with 10 minutes to go.

Wales has eight points, the same as Austria in third.

Two minutes later, Ireland were denied a goal by the referee.

The goal maintained Ireland’s unbeaten home record in nine competitive internationals since Martin O’Neill was appointed coach in late 2013. Wes Hoolahan is arguably Ireland’s most creative player, but whether he can be accommodated in a starting line-up which could also include Robbie Brady, Jeff Hendrick and James McClean remains to be seen. Austria also played three friendly matches against Slovakia (0: 0), Moldova (2: 0), and Finland (1: 1).