Stephen Hunt reckons Ireland are still weighed down by their disastrous Euro 2012 campaign and need a big win to lift the funk from three years ago.
Last night the Boys in Green salvaged a 1-1 draw against the Poland, co-hosts from that European Championships, during which Ireland lost all three games in emphatic fashion to Croatia, Spain and Italy.
"I think the Euros hit us for a bit," Stephen told Newstalk's Ger Gilroy at the Three Dugout in the Aviva Stadium last night.
"I think the disappointment of all the European Championships and the games and stuff like that put a downer on the whole atmosphere with the players - very difficult to pick ourselves up after that.
"Hopefully now we'll see it turn around. It just takes one big result ... as you know when you get momentum and everything else that comes with it, like the rugby at the moment.
"They'll follow it and back it and that's great for the country."
Building up the game with @3_news in Three Dugout with @Niamhbriggs15 & @stephenhunt1010 pic.twitter.com/iYIeLSw9Hw
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) March 29, 2015
The Ipswich star added: "We were a year off our peak [at Euro 2012], I think. The year before we were right at it.
"I think everyone was disappointed by it. The shock has [had] a knock-on effect for the last couple of years. But I think the change in manager helps that - it's a new phase."
Stephen and Ger were joined by Ireland rugby star Niamh Briggs to preview the big game. And both Waterford natives were in agreement about the class of Everton's Séamus Coleman.
Listen to the Three Dugout here:
"Séamus Coleman is by far the most dedicated footballer Ireland has, that'll be the reason why he'll go to a Manchester United or an Arsenal," said Stephen.
"He's obviously getting high rewards now, but it'll definitely take him to the top I think. I've played with Séamus, I've seen him - how he behaves himself off the field and one the field is top class.
"I said to Séamus before, 'if I don't see you playing for Manchester United in three or four years' time, I'll be disappointed'. He has to leave sometime, Everton, to progress, just for his career."
Ireland's Seamus Coleman and Maciej Rybus of Poland ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
Niamh also saluted the Donegal man Séamus Coleman, citing his route to English football via the League Of Ireland with Sligo as the way to go.
"He's a very good role model," said the UL Bohemians fullback. "You can see he cherishes every moment when he plays. He's earned it, he knows he's put in the hard slog."
Stephen also revealed who he rates as the best player and manager he's worked with: Attilio Lombardo and Steve Coppell.
Ger Gilroy with Niamh Briggs and Stephen Hunt on the Three Dugout last night
