The Republic of Ireland squad arrived in Warsaw earlier today and trained at the National Stadium in the Polish capital.

Stephen Ward didn’t travel with the squad but Martin O’Neill said it wasn’t down to injury.

The Burnley defender came off in the win over Germany and the Ireland manager said it was more a case of Ward not having enough game time with his club this season to be able to play another game so soon.

Wes Hoolahan didn’t train and O’Neill also suggested he might not start because at 33 years of age, the Norwich midfielder could find it tough going and he was also a doubt before Thursday night.

Seamus Coleman should start after recovering from a hamstring injury and Marc Wilson also trained while Glenn Whelan and James McClean are back from suspension.

O’Neill was joined by Shane Long for the pre-match press conference along with a Polish translator which probably made the briefing last twice as long.

Both O’Neill and Long were amused with how long it took him to translate some of their answers. The Boys in Green know a win tomorrow night and they qualify for Euro 2016 but they could get to France with a 2-2 draw.

More than 3,000 Irish fans are expected in Warsaw but there will be more than 50,000 home supporters.

O’Neill says the players should embrace the chance to play such a big game in front of a huge crowd:

After Thursday’s win over the World Champions reports of a new contract for O’Neill have surfaced. He was asked about that today and didn't have much to say on the matter while he also said it wasn't a distraction ahead of this crucial qualifier.

If Ireland win tomorrow night and qualify for Euro 2016 I'm pretty sure the Irish fans will want O'Neill to sign up for the World Cup qualifying campaign.