Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland: The Irish are ‘quietly confident’ ahead of World Cup qualifiers in Prague

John O’Shea says he is confident the Republic of Ireland can continue the momentum they gained in November into Thursday’s World Cup qualifier semi-final against the Czech Republic (19:45 GMT).

At risk of missing out, the Republic of Ireland have achieved impressive victories over Portugal and Hungary to reach this stage.

The 3-2 win in Budapest was a rare success on the road for the Republic of Ireland, but O’Shea is confident the players can repeat that heroic performance and keep alive their hopes of reaching the World Cup for the first time since 2002.

“No doubt, but you have to reinforce it [idea of momentum] O’Shea said immediately.

“President [Heimir Hallgrimsson] “We met with the players this morning and will confirm that in training sessions and video meetings we will have over the next couple of days to get back to that moment in Hungary, but then fast forward to what awaits us in Prague, a tough competitor but against whom we can have success.”

The Republic of Ireland will set up a final play-off match at home against Denmark or North Macedonia on March 31 with a win in Prague.

There are no fresh injury concerns during the club’s clash at the weekend following Hallgrimsson’s squad announcement on Thursday.

“The boys are in a good position,” added O’Shea, who played 118 times for Ireland but did not make the 2002 World Cup squad.

“Training today was almost like a cup final scenario. Everyone wants to get into the team, the intensity, the noise and the atmosphere around the boys is amazing.

“There is a quiet confidence in the group growing together, it is great to see but we know there is a lot of hard work ahead.”