With the second match to take place in the unfamiliar surroundings of Tehran in front of over 100,000 spectators, the Republic are acutely aware that any Iranian goals in Lansdowne may make or break ultimate qualification for the finals.
"The most important thing is that we keep them scoreless at Lansdowne Road. With the players we've got I'd fancy us to get a goal in the away leg," said the Wimbledon defender.
The second leg has come under great scrutiny due to the current political climate in Afghanistan and the Middle East, but manager, Mick McCarthy, has few concerns. "I spoke to them (the players) last night just in case any of them had any problems (with travelling), but none of them did. Basically, I didn't come back and feed everyone a pack of lies. The only fear we've got in going to Iran is beating them."