Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy says there is an excitement in their camp as they travel to Gibraltar this afternoon for the Euro 2020 qualifier.
Ireland trained this morning in Abbotstown, with Sean Maguire sitting out under agreement with his club Preston.
It is the striker’s usual schedule to skip a day's training in a bid to curb injuries and the Ireland boss said that he was "more than happy to adhere to it" and added "we just want to get him on the pitch and get him playing."
There are no other new worries for McCarthy.
Aiden O’Brien trained for the first time this week following his late call-up and the Ireland manager said anything is possible when it comes to his selection.
"He is thrilled to be in the squad. He was in Dublin at the weekend so he had to fly back, get his boots and come back here.
"He was one of our players that scored at the weekend, against Brighton. He got a good goal as well. So who knows? It’s comes out of the blue and you get a chance."
"We are trying to encourage the players to pass forward, get forward, get in the box, shoot, create chances and try to take the"
Goals have been an issue for Ireland and it remains one message the manager is looking to get across to the players, no doubt with the chance to notch a few goals on Saturday to boost confidence on his mind.
"That is one thing that the players have been criticised for and we are trying to encourage them to pass forward, get forward, get in the box, shoot, create chances and try to take them.
"Creating them is one thing, taking them is another thing altogether. But if you’re watching that this morning we’ve got some really good players."
McCarthy told FAI TV he felt the anticipation of the game increasing last night as preparations geared up to travel today and added that in training "there is a buzz about it definitely".
Ireland will be backed by a smaller crowd that usual because of the capacity of the Victoria Stadium, but it is still something that still brings a smile to the manager’s face.
"Wherever they have gone our fans have made a difference," McCarthy said.
"They create a great atmosphere.
"I’m sure there’ll be a buzz around the place. It’s only 700 Irish but it is a small place, we’ll probably seem them all. [I’m] looking forward to it."
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Follow Gibraltar v Republic of Ireland (kick-off 5pm) with our live blog on RTÉ Sport Online or the RTÉ News Now app, watch live on RTÉ2 or listen live on RTÉ Radio 1's Saturday Sport
