Roy Keane confident Republic of Ireland will perform well
Roy Keane believes the Republic of Ireland have nothing to fear as they prepare for the start of their European qualifying campaign.
The Republic warmed up with a 2-0 friendly win over Oman on Wednesday night and now head to Georgia for their opening Group D fixture on Sunday.
There have been mixed fortunes for Martin O’Neill’s men since he took over in November last year, with the team often failing to impress in a string of friendlies.
A testing encounter is expected at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena, where a hostile welcome is assured, but assistant coach Keane is confident the side will deliver when it counts.
"We are looking forward to it, of course, we have said that for the last few months,” he said. “Friendlies are all well and good, but it's down to business now over the weekend, so we are looking forward to it.
"Everyone seems frightened to death, particularly the media. There's a lot of negativity. Strangely enough I'm sure if we qualify, you will be first to celebrate and have a jolly-up over there.
"From the players' point of view and from the manager and the staff, we have got a top, top manager and we will be ready. I don't know what you are worried about.
"The reason we play these games is to get involved in tough qualifying matches. It's going to be tough, obviously, but my goodness, we have got to look forward to the game.
"People are on about a hostile atmosphere - brilliant, bring it on."
The Irish are likely to be locked in a battle for second place, with World Cup winners Germany the favourites to top the group, and Keane admits his side cannot afford many slip-ups if they are to remain in the hunt for qualification.
He said: "It's a tough game, particularly away from home, but from the angle I'm looking at, certainly over the next few days, we have just got to make sure we get our own act together, make sure we are right tactically and we pick the right team and if we are at it, we can give them a tough game.
"I think every game is going to be vital for us. We have said since the draw was made no doubt Germany will be hot favourites, but every minute of every game will be vital. There will be vital moments and starting with Sunday, we need to be ready.
"It's a difficult start, but we are ready for it. We will be ready on Sunday. That's why you play the game. There's nothing to be frightened of."
Winger James McClean has been ruled out with an ankle problem, while goalkeeper Keiren Westwood is a doubt after coming down with tonsillitis, but midfielder James McCarthy is available despite blistered feet.