Ireland marginal outsiders in world cup play-off betting

France have ruled out calling on the experience of midfielder Patrick Vieira for their World Cup play-off tie against Ireland.

The Inter Milan player has been left out of the squad for the two-legged tie, with the first match in Dublin on November 14 before the second leg in Paris four days later.

Vieira has 107 caps for France but has been struggling for a starting berth in Milan, meaning Ireland will not have to deal with his guile in midfield over the two legs.

World Cup betting at Centrebet has France as only marginal favourites for the first leg, on 2.45, to 3.00 for the hosts, with the draw at 2.95.

France's tag as favourites is understandable given their tally of appearing in 12 of the last 18 FIFA World Cups, while Ireland have only taken part in three.

Ireland have never advanced further than the quarter-finals of a major tournament and France have won one World Cup and two European Championships.

However, recent figures paint a more promising picture for the Irish – they were one of the five teams who made it through the regular qualifying stage unbeaten – and were the only team out of this five not to qualify directly.