O'Neill: Onus on Ireland to perform against Poland

Martin O'Neill admits that the onus is on Ireland to perform at the Aviva Stadium in Sunday's EURO 2016 qualifier (7.45pm, live on RTÉ2), and that defeat to Poland would put a serious dent in the team's chances of automatic qualification.

And the Ireland manager believes that the key to victory over the group leaders is making sure that the players are motivated, know their job, and more importantly, do the job that has been asked of them.

"This is a big, big match, especially after losing against Scotland," said O'Neill. "We need to win the ball, use it properly and try to create something during the course of the game.

"The onus is on us, as the home side, to do that and I'm hoping the rest will follow."

Ireland are currently fourth in Group D, three points behind Sunday's opponents and a defeat to Poland would cast Ireland adrift in the race for automatic qualification with Germany and Scotland both likely to win on Sunday evening.

"I've said all along that these home games we shape our destiny," said O'Neill. "This is the first one of a group of games, nevertheless a very important one against a team that have started off brilliantly. It might not decide everything but it is very, very important.

"If we were beaten, I think that would put a big dent in proceeding," admitted O'Neill. "So we have to try to win the game."

And while O'Neill emphasised the importance of players knowing the job they have been asked to do in order to take the three points, carrying out those instructions is what will define the tough task against the high-flying Polish side.

"I've said all along that these home games we shape our destiny"

And the Ireland boss will draw on the experience he had as a player, playing under one of the great motivators, former Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough.

"I think motivation is very important," said O'Neill. "I was lucky to be involved with some great motivators. But in terms of motivation, one thing that great motivators used to say to us was 'know your job' and 'do your job'. Know it and do it – two different things.

"I think we all thought as players that we knew what our jobs were, but doing it was the defining element of it all.

"The minute we lose possession of the ball we try to get it back as quickly as possible.

"They (Poland) possess really good players so when we don't have the ball we have to close down pretty quickly and prevent the real quality players getting on top of us, which wouldn't be much different to what you would be expected to do in a normal important game."

The Ireland boss has had over four months to prepare for this game and has also enjoyed a full week with the players in the build-up to tomorrow's clash.

And while O'Neill hinted at the frustration of getting judged on only playing ten games throughout the two-year qualification period, compared to a club manager, he also admitted that the extra time can help with team selection and tactics as things materialise once he starts working with the players.

The ex-Celtic manager said: "I think there are one or two things that you think, 'I should have thought about that a bit more carefully', or some player who I might not have considered starting might do something in training and have a very, very good week. And you do have to take those things into consideration.

"I think I have a fair idea about what the team will be, but when I say there is competition for places, I think that is always the case."

Euro 2016 Qualifiers

When asked about a change to the system and the possibility of playing a 3-5-2 formation, the Ireland manager remained vague, but was keen to point out that players are much more adaptable these days, citing the Hull City contingent, who are used to playing in several systems under manager Steve Bruce.

"Some players here play that system (3-5-2) at club level so it is something that they are used to, other players just take a bit more adapting, but overall I think they are pretty comfortable anyway, regardless of what system we do play."

And what about the keeper? Will regular number one David Forde start in between the sticks or is the manager tempted to bring former stopper Shay Given back into the fold?

The manager was asked whether club form would be a defining factor when choosing who to hand the number one jersey to.

"You make a valid point," O'Neill replied. "But I'm going to refrain from answering."

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