Ward challenges Republic to pile pressure on Wales

Stephen Ward has challenged the Republic of Ireland to pile pressure on Wales when the sides meet on Friday night with three precious World Cup qualifying points at stake.

A depleted Ireland host the Euro 2016 semi-finalists in Dublin sitting pretty at the top of Group D with 10 points from their opening four games – four more than the visitors from the same number of matches.

Ward is well aware of the threat posed by Gareth Bale and company after their heroics in France, but Ireland too returned from last summer’s tournament with their heads held high and the confidence they gained remains intact.

The Burnley full-back said: “From our point of view, we have taken a lot of confidence. Especially the younger lads and even the experienced lads have grown as players and that has shown in how we have started this campaign.

“Wales obviously finished on a high having got to the semi-finals and sometimes it can be difficult to keep those standards so high because that was an unbelievable achievement from them.

“We can only concentrate on ourselves and how we feel after the Euros. We feel we can go into any game now with the confidence to win.”

A home win over Georgia and victories in Moldova and Austria following a draw in Serbia have left the Republic in the driving seat with four of their remaining six games due to take place in Dublin, where they have been strong in recent seasons.

Injuries to Shane Duffy, Ciaran Clark, Harry Arter, Wes Hoolahan and Daryl Murphy, coupled with a lingering concern over James McCarthy and Robbie Brady’s absence through suspension have disrupted Martin O’Neill’s plans, although there is no sense of defeatism within the camp.

Ward is not convinced even an Ireland win would signal an end to Welsh hopes.

He said: “Things can change very quickly. I think most importantly, we need to approach the game and try to get the three points.”