Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill has delivered positive news on the injury front ahead of the last-16 showdown against France, with Jon Walters and Stephen Ward both in the frame to feature.
Walters limped out of the group draw with Sweden due to an Achilles problem, while Ward, who came into a reshuffled side in the Stoke man's absence, suffered a knock against Italy.
However O'Neill hinted both could play a part in the mouthwatering Lyon collision on Sunday (2.0pm).
"Stephen Ward I'm hoping is going to do a little bit today," said O'Neill. "He's improving daily, which is good news.
"Jon has done very well in the last couple of days. We'll have a little look and see how they are. Stephen's injury was a kick which has blown up quite severely, but he's doing very very well. Jon did a little bit of work yesterday and is feeling much better."
You know that you're going to come up against top quality players.
After following up a limp surrender with a brilliant performance packed with energy and commitment against the Azzurri, Ireland must now lift themselves once more against the star-studded hosts.
O'Neill is under no illusion about the size of the task facing his men, but refused to be daunted by the challenge.
"We'll go in with some confidence," he said. "The approach is within ourselves, that's the most important thing. You know that you're going to come up against top quality players.
"We meet this quality of opposition on a regular basis at international level so I think the players are ready for it. The French have very good players. They play at big teams and they obviously have to be watched very very carefully, but when we get the ball we'll try and use it as well as we did the other evening.
"If the players have recovered in time to show the same zeal and the same energy as they showed (against Italy) then we'll be ready for it."
