Cappoquin man Jayson Molumby is relishing the prospect of taking on England in the UEFA Nations League later today.
The West Brom midfielder looks set to win another senior cap for the Republic of Ireland in what will be new manager Heimir Halgrimsson's first game at the helm.
Molumby knows that Ireland are in for a tough evening against the European Championship runners-up, but says the Icelandic manager has made a positive initial impact.
"Everything that's coming across seems positive for us and as players that's all you want. You know, we want to be positive going into the game. Like I said, we've still got a lot of work to do and a lot more analysis on England and stuff and Greece - but yeah, it's been good."
Molumby says there is enough evidence to suggest that Ireland will be capable of putting it up to top-level opponents who make the trip to the Aviva.
"It's always going to be difficult for anyone to come. We've seen that against the top teams with France and Holland. I think we've competed well in them games. For us as a group now, we need to start taking the next step. Competing isn't enough anymore. We want to actually start getting points and stuff. Hopefully we can start that on Saturday."
He believes there is no room for excuses and it is time for Irish football to kick on and deliver qualification for another major tournament.
"There's no more excuses anymore for us. We were young lads coming in and stuff - but now I think we've got the experience where it's not good enough anymore to say we're young or whatever. We're experienced enough at an international level now. So it's time to kick on for us."
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