Bosnia-Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko has admitted that the Republic of Ireland's recent victory over Germany proves that they are going to be tough opponents to overcome.

The sides face off on Friday night at the Bilino Polje Stadium in the first leg of their Euro 2016 qualifying playoff double header.

Ireland will head to Zenica without the experienced heads of Shay Given, Shane Long, John O'Shea and Jonathan Walters, however, as they sit out through injury and suspension.

Dzeko does not believe that this will have a major say on the contest over the two legs, telling reporters: "Maybe some of their most important players are not playing in the first game, so it's a big problem for them. But they have other good players who can jump in, so I don't think it's a big advantage for us.

"They have some important players, some experienced players, who can bring something different to the team - like they did against Germany, because it's not easy doing it against them. If you win, you must be a good team."

The second leg will take place at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Monday evening.