Seamus Coleman believes that Ireland's ambition to win their UEFA Nations League group has given the team an added incentive to start the campaign with a win in Yerevan.
And the Everton defender feels that the team will need to get off to a winning start to have a realistic chance of achieving that goal with tougher tests ahead over the next ten days.
The Republic of Ireland were named in a group alongside Saturday’s opponents, Armenia, as well as Ukraine and Scotland, who played earlier this week.
Ukraine beat Scotland 3-1, however, the game was not part of the Nations League group but rather the remaining World Cup qualification play-off, with the winners playing Wales on Sunday for a place at this year’s tournament.
Scotland and Ukraine will be deemed tougher opponents for Stephen Kenny’s side as the group progresses, however, the full focus remains on the opening game against Armenia as Ireland look to secure their first ever win in the competition following ten failed attempts.
"I think without a shadow of a doubt it is an incentive," said Coleman, speaking at the pre-match press conference..
"Tomorrow afternoon’s game is the most important one for us trying to start off on a good note. We know it won’t be easy, but the last 12 months have been really good, like the manager touched on, the Serbia game, Portugal, Belgium.
"The team has grown in confidence and we are playing a style of football that people want to see, and we are forever improving.
"The new lads coming in as well are eager to impress, so we will start off tomorrow hoping to get all three points, play well and we will go from there. You go into any campaign wanting to do the best that you can, so that is what we will be doing."
A video of Coleman in the Everton dressing room went viral as he was singled out by manager Frank Lampard who addressed the Donegal native as "one of the best people I have ever met, as a man and what you are and as a player".
And while Coleman stated that he didn’t do anything different compared to other managers that he has played under, he admitted that it was a source of pride for himself and his family.
"It was a tough season for us all, a lot of emotion went into it all season," said Coleman. "I think a little bit of emotion carried through into that game.
"Regardless of who my manager is, it’s not changed for me. I’ve not tried to impress one more than the other, I just want what’s best for the team, myself, the club, my team-mates, my manager.
"For a manager like Frank Lampard to say that is obviously a lovely moment, it means a lot. I don’t think a lot of people see or understand what goes on behind the scenes, and what you really put into it.
"From that point of view it’s nice of him to put it out there, nice for my parents and stuff like that. For me it’s part of my job and I’m happy the season ended like it did."
