Arsene Wenger has warned teams not to underestimate the Republic of Ireland at Euro 2012.
The Arsenal manager said that Giovanni Trapattoni's ousiders have the potential to cause an upset in Group C because they have a "fighting spirit".
He told the Gunners' website: "Ireland are a team that will be difficult for every opponent. First of all they have a fighting spirit, and they also have Trapattoni, who knows how to not lose games."
Ireland face tough games against Italy, Croatia and champions Spain in the first phase of the competition, but the Frenchman insists that the group is evenly matched.
"Overall it is a very even group," he said.
"Talent-wise you would say Spain are above the rest, after that it depends if Italy can score goals because, while they have tactical knowledge, they have a problem scoring goals.
"It will be interesting to see who comes out here, but at the start you would think Spain certainly, second it can be decided between Croatia and Italy."
Republic of Ireland will take on Croatia in their Euro 2012 opening match on Sunday (June 10).
Mark Langshaw
