Thursday 4 June 2015 07:43, UK
Martin O'Neill admits this month’s European Qualifier against Scotland, will go a long way to deciding the Republic of Ireland’s fate in Group D.
At the half-way stage of qualifying, the top four countries are separated by just three points, with the Irish in fourth spot behind group leaders Poland, Germany and the Scots.
Scotland are two points clear of Ireland who lost 1-0 in Glasgow last November, with the teams meeting again in Dublin on Saturday week.
Looking ahead to what could be a decisive moment in the qualifying competition, former Celtic boss O'Neill said: "First of all, I wouldn't hide away from the fact that it's a very important game for us.
"We've been beaten in Scotland and we'd like to win the return game, and it would give us a massive boost.
"If we are beaten in the game then, of course, it makes life a lot more difficult in terms of trying to qualify but there is plenty of football to play.
"There is always pressure on you to win games at this level and I think we should embrace that and not shy away from it."
But before Scotland arrive in the capital, the Republic face two friendlies in the same Aviva Stadium against British opposition - Northern Ireland and England.
The match against the former will be behind closed doors with Roy Hodgson's side next up at Sunday lunchtime.
It will be the first time in 20 years the two nations have met in the city where England fans rioted in 1995.
Looking ahead to the England fixture, O’Neill added: "I think it's a really good game for us. It's heightened the profile, and when it was arranged I was delighted as it gives us the opportunity to play a high-profile game and a high intensity game the week before Scotland."
Watch Republic of Ireland entertain Scotland in Dublin live on Sky Sports on Saturday, June 13th from 5pm.
