Shane Duffy has backed the togetherness within the Ireland camp to help them overcome last Saturday’s shock defeat in Armenia - when they host Ukraine in an emotionally charged Aviva Stadium clash.
Ireland’s visitors will arrive eager to put their World Cup heartache behind them, with thousands of Ukrainians who have fled their war-torn country in attendance.
The Boys in Green will be motivated to deliver a performance for the ages too.
Eduard Spertsyan’s long-range effort last weekend brought an eight-game unbeaten run screeching to a halt.
Losing their opening match to the lowest ranked of Ireland’s Nations League opponents was a hammer blow to manager Stephen Kenny’s ambitions of winning the group.
And it seemed to knock the feelgood factor that was evident among fans in recent months.
However, Brighton defender Duffy declared today that the spirit within the Irish camp was as strong as ever - and that it would be evident tomorrow against Ukraine.
“I think with this group we have got is a really special group with players who can bounce back,” said the 30-year-old, who is expected to wear the captain’s armband tomorrow in the absence of Seamus Coleman.
“We have really good characters in there, young and experienced, which come together really well and we talk and are really close.
“That’s good when we have moments like we did on Saturday.
“Like, it wasn’t our night and we didn’t get what we wanted. We’ll bounce back. We’ve stuck together in the camp all week. We’re really excited.
“We’ve got a strong squad to help each other out. That’s what we’re looking to do going forward and tomorrow night.”
Ironically, in discussing the closeness within the squad, he highlighted a difference in opinion between himself and another key member of Kenny’s side.
Chiedozie Ogbene said in the aftermath of the Armenia defeat that Ireland’s mentality needed to change to a “win at all costs” attitude.
The Rotherham ace said: “We just have to be ruthless, it’s a results-based business.
“We experienced it in the hardest way and we need to change our mentality, to win-at-all-costs.
“We need to put on a show. I feel like we dominated possession but the chances we created, we weren’t clinical enough, and that’s why we suffer.”
Duffy countered by insisting that such a mentality already existed - and that their Yerevan woes were down to an off-night rather than something more systemic.
“I think we always want to win at all costs,” he said today, when Ogbene’s remarks were put to him.
“There are different opinions but the feeling I have is that we went out there and everyone gave everything in the game.
“It wasn’t for the lack of effort or trying. It was a night where we didn’t get it right on the night and we have to accept that.
“As the gaffer says we reflected on it and we put it behind us. Now we move on to a big game on Wednesday.”
Ireland won’t be the only side looking to turn around their fortunes tomorrow.
The visitors to the Aviva Stadium are fresh from their heartbreaking World Cup play-off defeat to Wales last Sunday.
West Ham forward Andriy Yarmolenko’s own goal was enough to see Wales through to their first World Cup in 64 years.
Ukraine were denied a clear-cut penalty and were thwarted several times by a once-in-a-lifetime performance from goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.
But there is more at stake in tomorrow’s Nations League clash than just the League B, Group 1 points on offer.
In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the spotlight has this week turned on the besieged country’s sporting endeavours.
And the eyes of the world will once again be on Oleksandr Petrakov’s side tomorrow.
Ireland’s opponents will once again look to provide some solace to a nation under attack from its neighbours.
Duffy expressed his admiration with how Ukraine performed in their two play-off games against Scotland and Wales.
“It’s really emotional for all of them and they should be really proud of how they handled themselves, especially in the last two games, carrying their country,” said the Derryman.
“I think everyone was willing them on to try and get to a World Cup.
“I think they can be really proud of themselves and hold their heads up really high and keep going.
“We know it’s really emotional times for everyone there so it will be a special game and one we’re all really looking forward to.”
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
