Republic of Ireland skipper Kenny Cunningham has warned his team-mates they cannot afford to lose any group game if they are to achieve their goal of qualification for the World Cup.
It is an objective Ireland achieved four years ago en route to Japan and South Korea, winning seven and drawing three of their 10 matches.
To date, with the finals in Germany fast approaching, Ireland have taken eight points from an unbeaten run of four matches to top the group on goal difference from France and tomorrow's opponents Israel.
Birmingham centre-back Cunningham feels if the current Ireland side are to remain on top come the final group game in October, defeat is unthinkable over the next seven months and six matches, starting at the Ramat-Gan Stadium in Tel Aviv.
"A win tomorrow would put us in a strong position, but then you could say the same for France and Switzerland if either win tomorrow," said Cunningham.
"We have all dropped points in this group, so to lose any game between now and the end of the campaign would be a blow and would mean you are playing catch up and that's always difficult to do.
"But there's no negative thoughts among the players. We are in a rich vein of form and we've had some good results over the last six months.
"We've a lot of confidence in each other, there's a lot of belief in the side and we are looking to take that onto the pitch.
"Qualification for the World Cup is what we are aspiring to and anything less than that we will be very disappointed.
"Our focus is to win the group, which won't be easy because we know the strength of France and Switzerland have caused us problems over the last couple of years, while we have all been impressed with Israel's contribution to the group so far.
"We are under no illusions how difficult it is going to be, but at this moment in time we are thinking positively because there is an opportunity for us to win the group, but to do so we are going to have to be at our very best - and that includes tomorrow.
The reason for such confidence is Ireland's strength in defence as they have conceded just one goal during the current competitive campaign, and including recent friendlies, have kept four successive clean sheets.
"Since I have been involved Shay has been one of the outstanding players and the most consistent player in the squad," Cunningham added.
"The test of a top world-class goalkeeper is when he is needed he can produce those world-class saves and Shay has done that for us time and time again.
"That's not just about the back five, it's the midfield four and front two defending from the front, and that's something we have always prided ourselves on.
"As a back four, over the years to have players of the calibre of Roy Keane in front of you, is a big help because of his running and he gives you a lot of protection."
