Ireland boss Martin O'Neill reckons discipline will be key against Germany

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill believes the discipline of his players in Germany will be crucial in order to get a positive result in Gelsenkirchen.

O’Neill’s side go into Tuesday’s European qualifier on the back of a resounding 7-0 victory over Gibraltar in Dublin at the weekend.

World Champions Germany will be looking to bounce back from their surprise 2-0 Group D defeat to Poland, but O’Neill insists his players must be prepared to deal with any setbacks they may encounter.

O'Neill said: "I don't think Germany will allow us the same sort of space to play in. But we are obviously going to encounter many different problems during the game. The Germans are world champions and they have a habit of qualifying for competitions.

"We have our own plan. I can't turn around say, 'Stick to plans'. Best-laid plans can disappear after five minutes in a match.

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"We are going with some confidence into the game. If we are pressed back, then okay, but if we deliberately sit in, then Germany will eventually pick you off

"We want to try to attack as well. It's a game to relish. It's one where we want to go out and do something about the game, not just let the game disappear."

Germany coach Joachim Low made a point of mentioning Ireland's battling spirit during his pre-match press conference.

And O’Neill said: "I understand that - he's got a fair amount of fight in his own team too. I wouldn't decry those attributes - in fact, I am quite pleased that he would mention those.

"We are deficient in certain things, but a bit of fighting spirit, I think, pervades the team and that can help. It will not win you every single game you play in, but it's a grand start."

Meanwhile, Ireland striker Robbie Keane insists the squad have not been reflecting on previous performances against Germany, particularly the 6-0 reverse the last time the teams met in Dublin.

Keane said: "To be honest with you, I don't think the players are thinking too much about what happened in the past. We have to concentrate on what we are doing now.

"We are certainly a different team than we were a few years ago. The players certainly haven't mentioned it this week, and they shouldn't be, to be honest with you.

"It's a completely different game, and we're going into this game on a good run and with a lot of confidence.

"These games, you have to go and enjoy it. You have seen the stadium here - it's absolutely fantastic. These are games that any player wants to be involved in. You are playing against one of the best teams in the world - go out and enjoy it.

"As long as you know what your jobs are and stick to that, go out and give it a go because you are playing against the World Cup champions.

"We have players in this squad who are very, very comfortable in what they are doing at club level, and they and can bring it on to the international stage, there's no question.

"In the last two games, we have got some great results, so we are clearly confident that we can come here and get something out of the game."

Watch Germany v the Republic of Ireland live on Sky Sports 5, with coverage from 7pm on Sky Sports 5 on Tuesday.