Martin O'Neill says Republic of Ireland ready for Germany in European Qualifier
Tuesday 6 October 2015 10:57, UK
Republic of Ireland are not fearing the challenge of facing Germany in Thursday's European Qualifier in Dublin, says Martin O'Neill.
Ireland welcome the Group D leaders to the Aviva Stadium knowing victory against the world champions or second-placed Poland in their final two games would secure a play-off place at worst, but that anything less could prove fatal to their hopes.
Joachim Low's men suffered an uncharacteristically low-key start to their campaign, losing in Poland and drawing at home with the Republic in their second and third qualifiers, but have since secured a run of five successive victories.
O'Neill said: "They're very strong, naturally. They're getting back to winning ways. They've had what they might consider a couple of hiccups along the way, including one against us.
"But we know what we have to do. It's a very difficult game for us, but we're capable. We have to go with all the enthusiasm and determination that that brings. We've got a bit of ability as well.
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"They are class players, as is proven by them having won the World Cup just over 15 months ago, and it will be a tough night for us. But we're ready for it."
O'Neill will hope to repeat the spirit shown in a 1-1 draw in Gelsenkirchen 12 months ago when John O'Shea's late equaliser snatched a point, although the Sunderland defender will need no reminding that Germany's last visit to Dublin three years ago saw them crush Giovanni Trapattoni's side 6-1 in a World Cup qualifier.
He added: "I think the best thing to do is give it everything you've got in the game and have no regrets at the end of the game. We have to be as positive as possible and attempt to go for the game."
O'Neill, who worked with his players for the first time on Monday morning, has a few selection headaches. Midfielders Glenn Whelan and James McClean are suspended for Thursday's game after collecting third bookings in the campaign against Georgia last month, while injuries threaten the participation of several others.
Defender Marc Wilson is yet to meet up with the squad after staying behind at Stoke for treatment on a calf problem and Everton full-back Seamus Coleman and Derby counterpart Cyrus Christie did not train with the rest of the group.
Coleman's team-mate Darron Gibson was a late addition to the squad as he battles his way back to full fitness after a knee problem.
Training will increase in intensity as the week progresses ahead of a contest in which O'Neill knows his team may have to play without the ball for long periods.
He said: "I don't think that is something the players are not used to. In international football, that sometimes happens."
Watch Repubic of Ireland v Germany, live on Wednesday, Sky Sports 1 from 7pm
