Jason McAteer believes that Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has rebuilt a team 'bond and unity' that had weakened under previous boss Giovanni Trapattoni.
O'Neill has emulated his predecessor by qualifying for this summer's European Championships, and though Ireland again face a tough group of Sweden, Belgium and Italy, McAteer believes the players are in a more positive frame of mind.
"What we've got going into the tournament is confidence," he told RTÉ Sport. "There's a bond there and a unity between the lads.
"I'm glad to see that's come back over time under Martin and Roy (Keane).
"It kind of drifted away when Trapattoni was the manager. He was meticulous and methodical and that bond that's been there for as long as I've known crept out of the squad."
McAteer was buoyed by Ireland's 1-0 win over world champions Germany last October and thinks that the players must capitalise on their good form to take at least a point against Sweden.
"I think it's going to be very tough," he said of Euro 2016 Group E.
"The Germany was result was brilliant. That gives us tremendous confidence going into the tournament.
"The fact we've got Sweden first game gives us an opportunity to get three points on the board early doors, which I think is what we need.
"The Italians are very strong and Belgium are one of my outside favourites to win the tournament.
"It's important that we get something from the Sweden game and a win would set that up.
"We're going there with confidence. The lads will be fresh and raring to go. It's the easiest game of the three. That's our best chance to get three points."
The former Republic of Ireland midfielder played in two World Cups, 1994 and 2002, and urged the players to enjoy their moment on the international stage.
"I never bothered with the Euros, only the big ones," he joked. "It's the best six weeks of your life.
"For me 94 was better than 2002. It got a bit political in 2002 and I was injured as well, carrying a knock from a warm-up game.
"The tournament wasn't filled with great memories for me whereas 94 was brilliant.
"John Aldridge and Ronnie Whelan were my heroes at the time. I was very new to the team and got to meet Mickey Mouse as well!
"You get on the pitch and play against Italy, Baggio, Baresi and Maldini, world names in football...
"To set up John Aldridge against Mexico for the goal that got us out of the group was amazing but to then start the game against Norway was a dream come true.
"To stand there and do the national anthem in a World Cup for your country, there's nothing bigger you can do as a sportsman."
