James McClean has warned his Republic of Ireland team-mates not to allow themselves to become victims of a historic upset against minnows Gibraltar on Saturday.
Ireland resume their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign at the Aviva Stadium, looking to pile on the misery following the newcomers' opening day 7-0 home defeat to Poland last month.
That proved the rudest of awakenings as they were left in little doubt, if they needed it, of what lies ahead in showdowns with Ireland, Georgia, Scotland and world champions Germany.
However, McClean is refusing to be taken in by the Poles' landslide victory with Martin O'Neill's men looking to provide themselves with a platform for what is certain to be a far more taxing trip to Germany next Tuesday.
He said: "Obviously, Gibraltar are new to world football and then there's the Poland result in the last game.
"But for us, we have got to treat it like the Germany game. I know that's the old cliché, but there have been a lot of upsets in football over the years and we have got to make sure we are not one come Saturday.
"If we can get an early goal, great, it takes the pressure off. But if it takes until the 80th minute, we have just got to make sure we get three points. At the end of the day, that's the most important thing."
"If we can get an early goal, great, it takes the pressure off. But if it takes until the 80th minute... We have just got to make sure we get three points."
McClean has recovered from an ankle injury that kept him out for Wigan's early season games and Ireland's qualifier win over Georgia.
He is raring to go now after playing back-to-back games for his club but admits he doesn't know whether manager Martin O'Neill will give him the nod to start against Georgia.
"The manager doesn't give anything away," he said.
"He doesn't name the team until just before kick-off. I think that is good; it keeps everybody on their toes. If you name a side, some people might feel down and some people might not give their all in training so it's good that it keeps everybody on their toes.
"It's always frustrating being injured, especially the length of time I was. I missed the whole pre-season, the first few games and the games here.
"It's good to be back. I've played the last two at club level. As each week goes on, I feel more sharper and hopefully I'm given the nod on Saturday and I can do a job and help the team win."
McClean also spoke of his happiness to be playing under the man who handed him his Premier League debut (above), with Sunderland in December 2011.
"When a manager puts faith in you, it almost gives you a new lease of life going onto the pitch," said the 25-year-old.
"He doesn't complicate it. He just tells you to go and enjoy yourself.
"Obviously we had a great relationship at Sunderland and I'm entirely grateful he gave me my opportunity. When a manager puts his full trust in you as a player, and as a winger especially, you're not afraid to try things and as I say it gives you that new lease of life.
"It's very important [to have that relationship]. Aidan [McGeady] in Georgia was nothing short of world-class, especially at the end. Hopefully he can produce that again on Saturday.
"But when you've a manager that has got faith in you, puts his arm around you and tells you to go out and enjoy it and doesn't complicate it....as a player it's the best thing you can hear really."
"When you've a manager that has got faith in you, puts his arm around you and tells you to go out and enjoy it and doesn't complicate it... as a player it's the best thing you can hear really."
McClean congratulated home-town club Derry City on their FAI Cup semi-final win over Shamrock Rovers on Tuesday night.
The winger played 78 times for the Candystripes before joining Sunderland for £350,000 in 2011.
"I was listening to it online on Drive 105," he said. "It was a great result for them. I thought Rovers, with the luck of the Dublin sides, would sneak through. But I was delighted.
"Hopefully, the lads go on now and go one step further and win the Cup again. We seem to have a good relationship with the Cups. Hopefully this year again."
The Wigan man also welcomed the news of former Cork City defender Brian Lenihan's first international call-up, saying the influence of the League of Ireland could be seen throughout the squad.
"If you look around the squad, there are a lot of players that came from the league. That is testament to the league as well.
"He is a young lad, he's just gone to Hull and it's great to see him in the squad. Hopefully he can have a great career at club level and international level."
Live coverage of Republic of Ireland v Gibraltar from 4pm on Saturday on RTÉ2, RTÉ Player and Radio 1.
Live coverage of Germany v Republic of Ireland from 7pm on Tuesday on RTÉ2, RTÉ Player and 2FM.
