Sunderland defender John O’Shea says it would be a “dream scenario” if he was to be included in the Republic of Ireland’s squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Ireland’s place at the major event next year is yet to be assured and Martin O’Neill’s men managed to earn a 0-0 draw against Denmark in Copenhagen on Saturday night in the first-leg of their World Cup play-off.

The tie is left finely poised heading into the second-leg at the Aviva Stadium and the hosts will be hoping the raucous home supporters can spur the nation onto victory.

O’Shea, who has 116 caps for his country, has only featured three times for The Boys in Green during this World Cup qualification phase and he was an unused substitute in the draw over in Denmark.

However, the 36-year-old is still hoping to earn a place in O’Neill’s final cut if the Irish are able to get the job done against the Dane’s in Tuesday’s second-leg.

“To get the call-up to play in the World Cup in Russia would definitely be a dream scenario for me,” O’Shea told Ireland’s principal sponsors, Three.

“To have the chance to go an represent Ireland in the World Cup would be incredible.”

O’Shea is also hoping to turn the fortunes around for his club Sunderland, who are sitting rock-bottom of the Championship after recording just one victory from 16 matches.

The Black Cats return to action on November 18 with a clash against Millwall at the Stadium of Light and the hosts are 2.25 favourites to pick up all three points, with a draw priced at 3.30 and the visitors a 3.20 chance.