Watch extended highlights of the Republic of Ireland's friendly with Denmark from 10pm on RTÉ Two this evening. Listen to the match on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ Radio 1 MW and LW 252 from 7pm
Robbie Keane insists there will be nothing friendly about the Republic of Ireland's match away to Denmark.
The Ireland captain is determined to put on a good show as he and his team prepare for next month's crucial Euro 2008 double-header against Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
With so much at stake, Keane is determined to blow away any suggestions that tonight's game will be treated lightly.
'There is no such thing as friendlies when you're playing for your country,' he said.
'It's your country. It's important to play for your country - every international is important for the players and the country.
'You have to play these games before you play big qualifiers - to get your team shape, whatever the manager wants to do. It's most important.'
Ireland headed to Denmark on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run since the dismal defeat to Cyprus last October. But they have struggled on the road in recent years and Keane is happy to get a chance to play in an away venue before the next qualifiers.
'I think the lads are quite glad it's away from home - we haven't played many friendlies away,' he recalled. 'It's good, with the two games away next month, that this is away.'
The Tottenham striker is also happy to see an old face back in the team, in the shape of Andy Reid. The pair played together at White Hart Lane, and Keane knows what the Charlton winger can provide - in the absence of the injured Damien Duff.
'Andy has a great left peg; his dead balls are spot-on too, so he's very good to play with as a striker,' he added.
'His assists are great, and we've always done well together when we have played in the same team. He can see a pass; he's vital for this team, so I'm looking forward to having him back.'
Republic manager Steve Staunton was missing from Tuesday's pre-match press conference following the death of his father on Saturday - but he will be back in the dug-out on Wednesday.
In his absence, coach Kevin McDonald spoke about what the management team could learn from the game.
He said: 'The value of the exercise is to have one or two of the seniors who were not available for the trip to America back playing together - and to have two or three of the younger ones who did very well in America get another chance to play.
'We have struggled on the road in recent times, so we need to start winning games away from home. It will be difficult to go to Slovakia and Prague - but they'll look at it as difficult the way we've been playing in the last few games too.'
