Playing in a World Cup is a dream for any child growing up, but very few will ever get to experience that. That is especially true if you're Irish. The country have only qualified for the tournament three times, the last of which came in 2002.
Not many are backing them end that hoodoo during the upcoming campaign. Ireland enter in poor form, failing to win any of their eight fixtures in 2020.
A group containing Portugal and Serbia will certainly be a difficult challenge, but it is one the players are looking forward to.
Speaking to members of the media yesterday, Callum Robinson said that he has been dreaming of a chance to play in the World Cup since childhood. He is also fully confident that the team can end their current slump and give themselves a chance of reaching Qatar.
For any kid growing up, it's the pinnacle of anyone's career if you can play in a World Cup and do well in it. Thankfully I'm in a good position where I can be part of a journey to get there. Hopefully we can do that.
When I've played in the Slovakia game and the games before that we played some really good football. It's just that final part and that's getting the ball in the back of the net.
Hopefully I can be the one to help the boys get the few goals and help in that forward area. That's what I want to do.
Going to a World Cup and being a part of that is all of our aim, from staff to players. Why not, why can't we?
We're doing everything right and it's just the last little bit. If we can do and get a win I think that will help the confidence. We can really push on then.
It's the issues in front of goal that have been Ireland's downfall. They have largely defended well, while they have also been much improved in possession under Stephen Kenny.
However, all of that counts for little if you can't put the ball in the back of the net.
Callum Robinson hasn't really been able to help in this regard having not featured since the Slovakia play-off due to various coronavirus issues.
He is back now and is hoping to help Stephen Kenny put an end to what he considers to be a torrid run of bad luck.
You start panicking when you're not getting the chances, but we are getting the chances. I've missed the last few games through covid reasons, which was annoying.
It's been hard for the gaffer as well. You've got to remember it was 14 or 15 players missing for the last game in the last trip from the team that he had picked.
It's tough, the team is changing all the time thanks to the covid stuff. We can't help that. I know everyone is having to deal with, but when you 14 or 15 players that was picked in the first squad to all those changes, it is tough.
Nobody should be down about it. I think if one goes in, two go in. If we get a win then everyone picks themselves up and we go again...
I don't think many supporters have seen football like that (in Slovakia game) from us in a long time. They are small steps, but the main thing is the result at the top.
Obviously that needs to change and goals need to come, so it's understandable why people can be annoyed. We're going in the right direction.
The first step towards that would be a positive result in Belgrade on Wednesday evening.
SEE ALSO: Here's The Ireland Team We Want To See Against Serbia
