Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan has described his side's friendly against Wales on Wednesday as "massive".
Ireland are unbeaten in their last four World Cup qualifiers, putting them level on points with Sweden and Austria in the race for second place in Group C.
Giovanni Trapattoni's side have lost just one of their last seven matches including friendlies - a 2-0 defeat at the hands of reigning world and European champions Spain - and Whelan believes that a good performance in Wednesday's friendly could give them confidence going into next month's vital qualifiers.
"It is massive for us, we have gone on a good run and we need to keep that confidence going as we have got two big games next month," said Whelan.
"We put in a good performance against Spain, even though we lost, and everyone knows how friendlies can help build confidence, so we want a good result on Wednesday.
"We have a few new players around the squad but they want to prove they can do a job on the big stage and we want to go into those games next month on a good performance and with the right result. This is a derby game and we know it will be tough."
Ireland are currently behind Austria and Sweden on goal difference, although they have the chance to rectify that when they face both sides next month.
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