Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has said the side cannot afford to switch off during Saturday's Euro 2016 clash with Belgium in Bordeaux, as he confirmed striker Jon Walters will not feature against the Belgians.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, O'Neill said Ireland "have to be mentally tuned in and ... physically strong".
Ireland enjoyed a strong start to the competition, dominating the first half of their opening clash with Sweden before going ahead through a Wes Hoolahan goal in the 48th minute.
However, Sweden took control of the fixture following the Norwich's man's strike, leading to their 71st minute equaliser.
Ahead of facing a talented Belgian side O'Neill said "we can't afford" such a lull again.
"Other sides in this competition who have a lot of talent at their disposal maybe can afford to do that but we can't."
The Derry man added that the players showed an eagerness to compete for every ball during the qualification campaign, which he hopes will continue against Marc Wilmot's side.
"We've been fighting for every ball and we haven't allowed games to disappear.
"We've had to play very strongly to get to this position and I see no reason why we shouldn't continue that."
Some of the Irish players appeared to tire towards the end of the meeting with Sweden, but O'Neill feels they will grow from the experience.
"I think the way the team played they will draw great strength from that themselves. There's been a few days in which the main bulk of the players who played have had time to rest up.
"I think the game will bring them on somewhat but it doesn’t mean we won't look at some options."
"We've had to play very strongly to get to this position and I see no reason why we shouldn't continue that"
As expected, Walters will not feature due to the injury he aggravated against Sweden, leading to at least one change of personnel, although O'Neill did not rule out further changes.
As is his wont, the manager will leave any such decisions until the day of the game.
"We'll have a look and decide tomorrow morning."
As well as changing the side around, O'Neill added some tactical changes may be necessary.
"In terms of tactics or strategy that might be slightly different. Belgium are a totally different side in make up to Sweden and we have to look at the strengths they have."
Despite this, the former Celtic manager is hopefully Ireland can play with the same confidence they showed for much of their opening game.
"When we have the ball we have to play with the same confidence as the other evening, that was probably the most pleasing thing.
"We created chances because we had a bit of assurance on the ball – let's deal with it in the same way."
Italy's win over Sweden in Toulouse has handed the Azzurri control of Group E, and a positive result for Ireland in either of their remaining games should see them well on their way to the knockout stages also.
O'Neill admitted that like many confused fans he was not fully sure of the permutations just yet.
He said that while there was time enough for permutations tomorrow, it "looks as if we have to win a game anyway".
"We created chances because we had a bit of assurance on the ball – let's deal with it in the same way."
One questioned that has dogged press conferences throughout the earlier stages of the tournament is how many opposition players would make your side.
John O'Shea, joining his manager at the top table, wisely deffered to a less than grateful O'Neill.
After a few laughs from the assembled media, he admitted "a number" would make the Irish side, although "how significant that number is will depend on tomorrow evening."
O'Neill has already said that individually Belgium, ranked second in the world, are as good as any side in the tournament, and added "they are very talented, no question."
"They're all playing big club football and maybe they would look at us and feel some of our players not playing at that level might give them an advantage, but it doesn’t always work out that way."
