Captain Robbie Keane believes Republic of Ireland are a better team now compared to when they suffered World Cup heartbreak at the hands of France last autumn (Republic of Ireland 6/4 – To Qualify for Euro 2012).
Giovanni Trapattoni’s men were denied by a William Gallas goal just when extra time loomed in Paris although Thierry Henry’s blatant handball in the build-up was clear for all to see – apart from the match officials.
Justice was seemingly done, however, in South Africa when Les Bleus internally combusted and found themselves on the way home following a dismal group campaign which saw them beaten by both Mexico and the host nation.
The Republic will be hoping their fortunes are heading in the opposite direction as they bid to reach Poland and Ukraine in two years for the 14th European Championships – a tournament they have featured in just once back in 1988 when they beat England 1-0 in the group stage but failed to qualify for the semi-finals (Republic of Ireland 3/1 – To Win Qualification Group B).
Twelve years on Keane is hoping the potential the side has shown under Trapattoni – the Republic twice held then world champions Italy in 2010 World Cup qualifying – comes to fruition.
However, the Spurs forward admits sweltering conditions in Armenia on Friday night will be testing and that avoiding defeat is the “most important thing”.
Keane said: “With the experience we have now, of course it is only going to make you a better team.
“The more experience you have, the better you are and hopefully the experience we had in the last campaign will stand us in good stead for this one.”
He added: “The most important thing is not to lose. It’s the first game and of course, you want to win every game you are involved in, and that will be the case.
“We are not going to come here looking to get a draw. We want to win the game.
“But the most important thing is certainly not to lose the game.”
Keane will win his 101st international cap in Armenia – his next big target is to score the seven goals needed to hit the half-century mark on the biggest stage – although he appears to be relieved the appearance milestone has been passed after notching a ton of games against Argentina recently.
The 30-year-old continued: “It was great to get the 100th cap but personally I am delighted that’s gone now, just to get it over with and concentrate on the rest of the games.
“We had a great chance in the last campaign – obviously, we just missed out, but hopefully that will make us stronger and more determined now to qualify.”
Elsewhere in Euro qualification Group B, Russia (8/13f – to top the group) travel to Andorra (2500/1) while Slovakia (19/5) entertain Macedonia (20/1).
Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.