Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu says he's excited rather than fearful after being pitched into battle with France and Holland for a place at the Euro 2024 finals.

The Republic of Ireland were drawn into Group B alongside two of Europe's giants, as well as Greece and Gibraltar, for the qualifying campaign which gets under way in March next year.

On-loan with Southampton, Bazunu says: “Excitement. I want to play against the best in the world. I want to challenge myself against the best, so to see the two quality nations was exciting.

“It's the anticipation of facing these players and knowing that if these guys are the best in the world, they are the best to compare yourself against.

“If there had been an easier draw, sometimes that can add even more pressure. To be up against the best is where we all want to be."

Bazunu's confidence is based in part on the Republic's recent history against better sides, having counted themselves unfortunate to lose by the odd goal in both Portugal and Serbia in World Cup qualification and drawn with both in Dublin.

He said: “In those games, we performed really well. We showed in those games how good we can be as a team, and I think it's time we strung more performances like that together."