When Wales were drawn as top seeds in Ireland's 2018 World Cup qualifying group, there was a palpable sense of optimism amongst Irish football fans.
The Welsh are certainly beatable, more so anyway than other opponents we could have been faced with such as Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. What sets Wales apart from Ireland are two world class players in Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey but this also means that Chris Coleman's side are always just one hamstring injury away from being taken down a notch.
However, for former Wales international John Hartson, there would be only one winner between the two if they were to play tomorrow.
I think Wales would beat the Republic of Ireland right now, if they played tomorrow.
I think they're in a great moment. They're in the ascendency and you look at where Wales are - played six, won four, drawn two, took four points off Belgium in this Euro qualifying group.
Good side, all the players know exactly what they're doing. Good system, good manager, great players.
While admitting his obvious allegiance to the team which currently tops Group B of the 2016 European Championship qualifiers, Hartson said that he was simply 'stating fact' when citing Wales' current form as reason for his choice of winner.
It's a great game, Republic of Ireland and Wales, two full houses and I'm sure the two sides will bring it on the field.
It'll be difficult but Wales are in a great moment. I think they've only lost in the last 14.
They're the form team, they're up to 10th in the world - I'm biased because I'm Welsh - but I'm only stating fact and they're in a great moment at the minute.
Regarding Wales' European Championship qualifying campaign, the ex-Celtic striker expressed a belief that the current Welsh squad would fully deserved to make next summer's tournament.
He also spoke with a tinge of sorrow about the great players who never had the opportunity to pull on the red jersey at at major tournament.
It's great for Welsh football because you've got players who've not played in a major tournament.
You look at the likes of Rush, Hughes, Saunders, Giggs, myself, Bellamy, Speed - we never achieved that. Not since 1958 have we competed in a major tournament.
This group of players, they've deserved it, lead by the magnificent Gareth Bale.
Presenter Conor Morris and pundits Kenny Cunningham, John Hartson and Matt Holland were at the Setanta Sports studios in Dublin today to mark the return of Premier League Central for the 2015/2016 Premier League season. Premier League Central, the first place to see Premier League highlights, is back on the air this Saturday, August 8th at 8.30pm.
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Picture credit: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
