Mick McCarthy last night tipped Iran to build on their first leg advantage in the Asian World Cup play-off after seeing the home nation beat the UAE 1-0 at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran.

While the Republic of Ireland manager conceded that the Iranians may well be short of confidence away from home in the wake of last Sunday's defeat by Bahrain, he said:

"I still think they should do it, they're a stronger team and they should have won by more tonight.

"They were both good sides going forward, but the Iranians created more chances, hit the woodwork twice, and did enough to win the game a lot more comfortably. I'd be surprised if they didn't go on to win the tie."

Asked about the venue, McCarthy insisted that he will have no concerns about asking his players to travel to the Iranian capital if that is what is required in three weeks' time.

"The place is fine," he said, "the pitch is good, the stadium is good, the food and hotel are both absolutely fine. I'd have no problems whatsoever about bringing the lads out here if Iran do qualify," observed McCarthy,

"If somebody says they are not coming there is nothing we can do about it. But I do not envisage a problem," he said.

The Republic's manager will travel on to the United Arab Emirates today ahead of next Wednesday's second leg.