Bosnians set out stall for Ireland play-off

Empoli forward Rade Krunić is the only unfamiliar name in Mehmed Baždarević's provisional Bosnia and Herzegovina squad for the UEFA EURO 2016 play-off against the Republic of Ireland.

The 22-year-old Krunić previously represented his country at Under-21 level, and will be training alongside Muhamed Bešić when the players come together in Zenica on 9 November, though the Everton man is suspended for the first leg of the tie.

"The list will probably be trimmed down, but these players are available for the coming matches," Baždarević said, adding of Krunić: "He is playing well, and he deserves our attention."

The Bosnians enter the play-offs on a three-game competitive winning streak, and the coach noted: "It is good that we are in a situation where we are masters of our destiny. The most important thing is that the players are ready and they are all playing well for their clubs."

The former Yugoslavia midfielder, 55, added of their opponents: "Ireland have good-quality players. It will be very difficult. It's important that we prepare ourselves well, and have a lot of desire, enthusiasm and fight, as well as giving a good performance tactically."

Bosnia and Herzegovina squad
Goalkeepers: Asmir Begović (Chelsea), Ibrahim Šehić (Qarabağ), Jasmin Burić (Lech Poznań).

Defenders: Toni Šunjić (Stuttgart), Ognjen Vranješ (Gaziantepspor), Emir Spahić (Hamburg), Ermin Bičakčić (Hoffenheim), Mensur Mujdža (Freiburg), Sead Kolašinac (Schalke), Edin Cocalić (Mechelen), Ervin Zukanović (Sampdoria), Marin Aničić (Astana).

Midfielders: Muhamed Bešić (Everton), Miralem Pjanić (Roma), Srdjan Grahovac (Rapid Wien), Anel Hadžić (Sturm Graz), Haris Medunjanin (Deportivo la Coruña), Tino-Sven Sušić (Hajduk Split), Senad Lulić (Lazio), Sejad Salihović (Guizhou Rehne), Edin Višća (İstanbul BB).

Forwards: Rade Krunić (Empoli), Ermin Zec (Qäbälä), Izet Hajrović (Eibar), Edin Džeko (AS Roma), Armin Hodžić (Dinamo Zagreb), Milan Djurić (Cesena), Vedad Ibišević (Hertha).