Republic Of Ireland Quietly Confident For 'cup Final'

John O'Shea says he is assured nan Republic of Ireland tin transportation nan momentum gained successful November into Thursday's World Cup play-off semi-final against nan Czech Republic (19:45 GMT).

In threat of missing out, nan Republic of Ireland pulled disconnected stunning victories complete Portugal and Hungary to scope this stage.

The 3-2 triumph successful Budapest was a uncommon occurrence connected nan roadworthy for nan Republic of Ireland, but O'Shea has religion that nan players tin replicate that heroic capacity and support live their hopes of reaching nan World Cup for nan first clip since 2002.

"Without a doubt, but you person to reenforce that [idea of momentum] straightaway," said O'Shea.

"The leader [Heimir Hallgrimsson] had a gathering pinch nan boys this greeting and we'll reenforce that successful nan training sessions and video meetings we'll person complete nan adjacent mates of days to carrier themselves backmost to that infinitesimal successful Hungary, but past accelerated guardant to what's up of america successful Prague, reliable guidance but 1 we tin person occurrence against."

The Republic of Ireland will group up a play-off last astatine location to Denmark aliases North Macedonia connected 31 March pinch triumph successful Prague.

There are nary caller wounded concerns from nan weekend's nine action pursuing Hallgrimsson's squad announcement connected Thursday.

"The boys are successful a bully place," added O'Shea, who won 118 Republic of Ireland caps but was not included successful nan 2002 World Cup squad.

"Training coming was almost reminding maine of that cup last scenario. Everyone's wanting to get into nan team, nan intensity, nan sound and nan ambiance astir nan boys is brilliant.

"There's a quiet assurance successful nan group increasing together, it's awesome to spot but we cognize there's a batch of difficult activity to come."