Republic of Ireland Under-21s Head Coach Noel King believes home advantage could play a huge part as they prepare to face Norway at Tallaght Stadium.
Ireland go into the game top of Group Five in the UEFA European Championships qualifying group having recorded impressive victories over Kosovo and Azerbaijan.
Under-21s Head Coach Noel King said: "It's going to be a tough test but it's one we're all looking forward to. We've started the campaign really well and you can sense that the players are really looking forward to getting back on the pitch.
"Norway are a really good side who have won a bronze medal in the Under-21s European Championships before and they've beat us but I've no doubt that we can get a positive result against them.
"I'm looking forward to this game as much as any game I've ever been involved in with the Under-21s and don't rule out this group of players. We've got plenty of talent in the group and there is plenty of confidence as well.
🎥 2⃣ games gone
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) October 4, 2017
Maximum points secured ✅
Next ▶️ Norway🇳🇴 at @tallaghtstadium...
Come on #IRLU21s🇮🇪! #COYBIG 💪 pic.twitter.com/2aIKNMPAHX
"Norway are going to be a strong, physical side who can play it long and short, they like to mix it up, so they will present us with problems. They're seeded higher than us but we've got to focus on ourselves."
With two huge home games coming up this week, King believes home advantage can play a huge part in the game and has urged supporters to get behind the team.
He added: "It would be great to get a good crowd down here and get behind the lads. Home advantage is obviously a big thing in football but especially in international football and I think it could have a huge impact.
"With the way they've started the group, don't rule out this group of players. They've really impressed me so far and hopefully we can continue to develop in these two games.
"You'd want a big crowd to come and drive them on. It definitely gives us that little edge in games. Hopefully the players can give the supporters a performance as well."
Republic of Ireland U21 squad to face Norway and Israel
Goalkeepers: Kieran O'Hara (Manchester United), Liam Bossin (Nottingham Forest).
Defenders: Danny Kane (Huddersfield), Ryan Sweeney (Stoke City, on loan at Bristol Rovers), Shaun Donnellan (West Bromwich Albion, on loan at Walsall), Declan Rice (West Ham United), Corey Whelan (Liverpool), Ryan Delaney (Burton Albion, on loan at Cork City).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (West Ham, on loan at Bolton Wanderers), Harry Charsley (Everton), Conor Shaughnessy (Leeds United), Liam Kinsella (Walsall), Jake Mulraney (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Connor Ronan (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Connor Dimaio (Chesterfield), Rory Hale (Galway United), Dessie Hutchinson (Brighton and Hove Albion).
Attackers: Reece Grego Cox (QPR), Ryan Manning (QPR), Ronan Curtis (Derry City), Joe Quigley (Bournemouth, on loan at Newport County).
