Glenn Whelan pushes Andrews away from Saturday's confrontation

Republic of Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews says a "disrespectful comment" led to the final-whistle spat in the World Cup play-off first leg.

Andrews had a row with France's Lassana Diarra after the Croke Park contest on Saturday although the Irishman has refused to reveal what was said.

"I felt a comment one of their players made was disrespectful, not just towards me but the lads," said Andrews.

"You don't really expect that sort of comment from a fellow professional."

Andrews refused to elaborate on the precise nature of the comment but the suggestion is that the tenor of Diarra's comments was that the tie was over.

However, the Blackburn player insisted neither he nor his team-mates need any added incentive going into Wednesday night's return leg at the Stade de France.

Andrews added: "If we needed any more motivation other than getting to the World Cup there would be something wrong with us.

"It's nothing. The lads are fully aware of what he said, but we don't really need extra motivation.

"We are hell-bent on getting to this World Cup and it is certainly not over."

Andrews' heated conversation with the Real Madrid star, was followed by a shoving match in which Richard Dunne and Yoann Gourcuff became involved.

The Blackburn midfield acknowledged that he had been annoyed by the episode.

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"I lost my head a little bit. I felt it was a comment that wasn't really needed, especially considering the tie is only halfway through."

Nicolas Anelka's deflected 72nd-minute shot ultimately divided the sides in Dublin but Andrews insists that the tie is still alive.

"We have certainly got a lot of positives to take from the game.

"We did create chances and a few decisions went against us, but we know we can improve as well.

"We know that was not our best performance by any means and we are thoroughly looking forward to this game.

"We feel we limited them to a few chances and we are going to go there looking to force the pace and really stamp our authority on this game."

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