Kevin Doyle does not fear the Republic of Ireland’s tough Euro 2012 draw – rather the Wolves striker is relishing it.
Giovanni Trapattoni’s side were grouped with defending and world champions Spain, Italy and Croatia at next summer’s finals, games that will be played in the Polish cities of Poznan and Gdansk.
And while there were certainly easier options in the pot for the Boys in Green, Doyle says that Ireland have a strong enough unit to stand up to anyone and he cannot wait to test himself against some of the best players on the continent.
"Any team that is well organised will be hard to score against." Doyle told RTE after Friday’s draw in Kiev.
"We saw that when Spain played England (in a recent friendly). We'll be looking to probably do something similar to England because if we're well organised usually we can nick a goal.
"It could have been easier, but hearing the names of the teams we are playing against makes you realise what you're involved in.
“They are the reigning champions and Italy and Croatia, too, are decent teams, but we have built up good confidence over the last couple of years."
Doyle expects his manager to be eagerly anticipating the final group game against his home nation. Ireland are unbeaten in three games against the Italians under Trapattoni – and probably should have won all three – and Doyle thinks that the game will be extra special for his side’s silver-haired gaffer.
"We beat Italy in the summer and the manager maybe takes it more serious when we play them,” added the Wexford man. “We'd have noticed that when we played them before, so I'm sure he'll be looking forward to that."