Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy must rejig his plans to watch the Asian World Cup play-offs after Iran emerged as probable opponents for Ireland next month.

The Iranians, who led Group A of the Asian qualifiers by one point going into last night's final games, were shocked 3-1 by Bahrain in Manama. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, did what they had to do and beat Thailand 4-1 in Riyadh to win the pool and take the automatic route to the finals in South Korea and Japan. Iran now meet the United Arab Emirates in the two legged play-off to decide who plays the Republic of Ireland on November 10th and 15th for a place in the finals. The Asian sides meet in the first leg in Tehran on Thursday night with the return in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday of next week.

Iran, managed by former Croatia coach Miroslav Blazevic, found themselves 2-0 down at half-time, despite their hosts missing five key players. Iran then had two players sent off while Blazevic was also sent from the dugout in a tempestuous game.

McCarthy will now fly out to Tehran on Wednesday along with his assistant Ian Evans and the FAI's travel agent Ray Treacy to watch the first leg of the Asian play-off.

Tehran is in north Iran and is approximately 800 miles from the Afghan capital Kabul.

McCarthy said: "I have no problem flying to the Middle East. It's an excellant opportunity for me to study our potential opponents both in Tehran on Thursday and in the return leg six days later in Abu Dhabi.

"Gerry Armstrong (former Northern Ireland international) will be supplying me with videos on both Iran and the UAE's progress in the Asian group to date. But there's nothing better than seeing your opponents live."

FAI Chief Executive Brendan Menton said: "We will of course be guided by FIFA at all times. But all the arrangements for the game in Dublin on November 10 are in full swing and I am sure it will be the same for whoever our opposition may be five days later."