Martin O’Neill talks automatic qualification, Darron Gibson, and the Irish rugby team

“I’m always confident about our team."

Martin O'Neill isn't taking Poland for granted. Of course he isn't. They're a fine side, top of a group consisting of the world champions and they're well worth their standing as a feared prospect. But Martin O'Neill isn't taking the Irish for granted either though. The Republic have had just one home game thus far in the qualifying campaign and they racked up seven goals in that tie. Alright, they were playing Gibraltar but it's a decent omen - if you're desperately looking for one - for the next five games where four will be hosted at the Aviva. (And the away one in between in Gibraltar so that's grand, too) That's why the national boss agrees with his assistant when he talks about playing on the front foot on Sunday night. Ireland are at home and they will take the game to the Poles “We’re at home, the onus is on us to try and get forward and to try and win the game and that’s what we’re going to try and do. There are a number of games left in the competition. You mention the top two qualify automatically – it’s a tough, old group we’re in but we’re going for it." It has been a long week building up to the one game at the end of the weekend. The side have been noticeably pacing themselves but, on Friday up at Malahide, you could see a change in tempo. Roy Keane manned a possession game, 23 players playing keep-ball on half a pitch. Everyone fit, everyone flying. Only Anthony Stokes - of the remaining 28 players - didn't train today because he was at a hearing. Gibson, of course, was the other absentee after he went back to Liverpool to receive treatment on a groin injury. “Darron has come through, he’s played a couple of games for Everton, it’s his fitness really that has been the major concern for me," O'Neill explained. "You know, sometimes he gets going, he gets a run of games and then he’s thwarted again with injury. He’s had a few problems in the last couple of years and he’s been fighting those off. “Naturally he would’ve been in the plans because he’s been involved in the last couple of squads that we had but we have plenty of players and plenty to choose from. “I think there are positions up for grabs, like there has always been since I’ve come here. I think any international manager would probably tell you exactly the same, he’s got an idea that he can formulate a couple of weeks beforehand. “But I think the first time that you really consider it is when you have players at your disposal for the week of the game. Of course, we’ve had one or two players who, for one reason or another – generally through injury – haven’t really been available for the start of the week. “Then you formulate different ideas and different plans for the players that you think might participate in the game. There has always been positions up for grabs here. “Sunday is the ultimate test. It’s been a good week for the players. Naturally, it has been a bit of a change from their club commitments. I gave them some time yesterday, those who have family around and about, to go and do that. “We’ve just basically been taking our time, regroup as it were, and just getting ready. Ready mentally and ready physically." One source of inspiration - perhaps - could probably have been that of Joe Schmidt's side taking the Six Nations with such vigour. O'Neill isn't silly, he knows there are very little similarities you could draw from the two games but he does recognise that the Irish rugby side have set a fine example. One which his team could follow. “The Irish rugby team did fantastically well and maybe we can take something from that. They’ve given us a lead, let’s go and try to continue that."