DARREN RANDOLPH and Cyrus Christie have described the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup play-off game with Denmark as their ‘preferred draw’ – even though it could pit them against Middlesbrough team-mate Martin Braithwaite.

Having edged out Wales to book their place in the play-offs for next summer’s finals in Russia, Ireland were today paired with Denmark for their two-legged decider.

Randolph and Christie are key members of Martin O’Neill’s squad, having both started this month’s crucial 1-0 win in Cardiff, and the duo could find themselves lining up against a familiar face when they encounter the Danes.

Braithwaite has not been involved with Denmark in the last two international breaks after picking up a leg injury that sidelined him for almost two months. However, having returned to action in the last three league games, the winger will be desperate to force himself back into international contention ahead of next month’s play-offs.

With Seamus Coleman not expected to recover from his own injury in time for the play-off matches, that could mean Christie marking Braithwaite with a World Cup place at stake, and there is likely to be some lively banter on the Rockliffe Park training ground in the next few weeks.

Denmark booked their play-off spot as they finished runners-up in Group E behind Poland, but Randolph and Christie both claim Ireland could have been handed a much tougher test.

The other seeded nations were Switzerland, who will face Northern Ireland, Italy, who take on Sweden, and Croatia, who go up against Greece, and the Boro pair feel the draw has been fairly kind to Irish hopes.

“It was probably who I was looking out for beforehand, and we got the draw that I wanted so everyone’s happy,” said Randolph. Christie added: “Obviously, we spoke about it before, and we were hoping for Denmark. There are some strong teams in there, and it’s going to be a tough test.”

Ireland play the first leg of the play-off in Copenhagen, and will be hoping to keep things typically tight in the Danish capital. That will enable them to push for a winner in the second leg in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, and their recent record in big matches will be a source of inspiration as they look ahead to next month’s games.

“Our away form has been very good this campaign, so it will be good to go there and get a positive result, then back to Dublin for what will hopefully be another special night,” said Randolph, in an interview with Middlesbrough's official website.

“We know on our day we’re a tough team to play against,” added Christie. “We’ve played against a few big teams, and we’ve taken a few scalps, so hopefully we can do the same again.”