Martin O'Neill has dampened expectations ahead of Ireland's World Cup Qualifier tomorrow, warning the public not to expect a rout against Moldova at the Zimbru Stadium.
Speaking in the pre-game press conference, O'Neill admitted that the performance in the opening half against Georgia wasn't up to standard, but reiterated the value of the win against tricky opposition.
"I think what's lost in this here is that we actually won the game, albeit from a piece of brilliance from Seamus. The three games we played against Georgia, I've said this before, and we know this because we've played them with a year, or a year-and-a-half or whatever it is, and the games were difficult for us.
"We're not the type of team that are going to wipe the floor with people. We have to fight for everything, we know that ourselves and tomorrow night will be a big test again for us".
The Irish coach was questioned on the sides ability to dominate the so-called smaller teams, and about the lack of performances despite results since the Euro 2016 campaign, a problem he said many sides go through.
"It's not a case of raising ourselves against the best opposition. Everybody goes through these (difficult) periods. Portugal won the competition then went out and lost to Switzerland, and things like this happen.
"We can play better, we know that. We did this in France, it's only a couple of months ago since we played brilliantly against Sweden, brilliantly against Italy, beating Italy, should have beaten Sweden, and fora long period you'd have to say France were extremely concerned about us, a team that went on to the final, in their own stadium. So that's just a few months ago".
On the injury front, O'Neill confirmed that Robbie Brady and Harry Arter would miss out, while the fitness levels of those who played the entire game against Georgia would be assessed before he made his final decision on the starting eleven.
Tomorrow evening's game will kick-off at 7.45pm
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