Jake O'Brien believes that the inclusion of Seamus Coleman and John Egan will add vital experience and help to set the standard to take into the tough task of facing Portugal away from home.
The Republic of Ireland are looking to kick-start their World Cup qualifying campaign in Lisbon on Saturday night, and with just four games remaining, a vast improvement in the team’s performance is needed to add momentum and build confidence ahead of vital upcoming games against Armenia on Tuesday, and Hungary in November.
But first, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side must take on the group favourites and while a result is unlikely against the team who took maximum points from their opening two games, the management has called for a performance from this struggling squad.
The opening games really knocked the wind out of the pre-campaign confidence with a poor first half at Aviva Stadium against Hungary in the opener, while the Armenia game has already been ranked among the worst performances over the past 30-odd years.
Hallgrimsson’s side failed to set the tone in that opening game in Dublin, which could have signalled their intent to back up all those words since the draw was made. Still, there was a certain amount to take from the second-half performance, which showed that the team are able to produce energetic and attacking football, while proving tough to play against.
But it was a case of one step forward, three points lost in Yerevan as the shambolic showing undid all of the potential that appeared to be emerging – albeit slowly – throughout Hallgrimsson’s tenure.
So it was no surprise really that the manager went back to the drawing board and found two old-timers with a lot to offer to this troubled team.
Seamus Coleman has not played much first team football, however, he is a regular in the Everton Premier League matchday squad and brings huge respect, passion and knowledge into the squad.
Likewise, Egan was one of Ireland’s most consistent performers when called upon and appears to be back to full fitness and form playing with Hull City in the Championship.
O’Brien, of course, is an Everton team-mate of Coleman, and in fact currently keeping the former captain out of the team. However, the Cork native is delighted to have both players back for the October international window.
And while the defender is trying not to focus on the negatives from the September games, he was quick to namecheck the experienced duo when asked what can give the team confidence ahead of Saturday’s encounter.
"I think as players we've often been in positions like this and we have to get it from somewhere; I think we have good players in the squad, and look, we have John Egan and Seamus Coleman come into the squad," he said.
"I think everyone knows what kind of guy Seamus is and it's really important to have him in the squad. He's a quality player, but his experience, his know-abouts and I think just having him in and around us, make sure the players are on their toes and they're doing things right.
"They've (Coleman and Egan) been in positions like this before and I think it's looking to put positive stuff into the players and making sure that it's behind us. It's a tough game but we're more in it than anyone thinks, and we can definitely get a result.
"They are experienced players but they're obviously really good players as well and not just in it because of the experience, they're in it because they're doing well.
"They've been in and around the squad for many years and they've been in positions where it's been good and bad, and I think it's about using that experience.
"We're a young squad, and I suppose just setting the standards and putting that into training and then we bring that into the game."
Looking ahead to the game, Ireland are not expected to match the home side in terms of possession, and as a result, O’Brien admits that it is likely to put renewed focus on the defensive unit, who were widely criticised for the concession of the goals in Yerevan.
"I think it was uncharacteristic of many of the players, but it happens, it's football," said O’Brien, recalling the Armenia game.
"We're looking to put that behind us and go again. We have good players and it's happened and it's just important that we go into the training pitch and put it behind us and go again.
"It's Portugal, we know they're a top, top team so we're not expecting to get on the ball and have 60-70% possession.
"We know that's their game, but I think we've got to dig in and be defensively compact. We'll have moments during the game to break through and that's what we're looking at, making sure when the moments come that we get it right. But first and foremost, we defend and don't give away anything silly."
Standing 6ft 6in tall, O’Brien plays the role of target man for corners and free-kicks, however, he has assumed the role of throw-in taker thanks to his ability to launch the ball into the box from out on the touchlines.
"It is a lot more common, and I think against teams like Portugal you've got to pick your moments and if we're high up the pitch that means getting our big players in the box and trying to use something to our advantage.
"I won't sit there and say I have a Rory Delap throw-in because I don't but you can definitely get something from throw-ins. I think you're seeing in the Premier League now and if you win the first flick on then it could bobble in the box and you can get something from it, so I think against teams like Portugal it's important that we use this to our advantage and set up right and hopefully something comes from it."
And as for where the talent emerged from, O’Brien said that he’s not too sure but he doesn’t believe it came from either boxing nor road bowling.
"I think it could be a lot of things," said O’Brien. "Just flexibility, strength, and hoping I can serve a ridiculously long throw."
Watch Portugal v Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualifying on Saturday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app. Listen to live radio commentary on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
