Responsible for one of the Republic of Ireland's few bright moments at the 2012 European Championships, Sean St Ledger is sure Martin O'Neill's men can put a week full of unwanted news behind them for tonight's Nations League tie against Wales.
The 33-year-old central defender amassed a total of 37-international caps for Ireland during Giovanni Trapattoni's reign in charge of the national team.
However, having last played non-league football for Guiseley in the National League, St Ledger must content himself with looking on from afar.
After a week in which fiascoes concerning Declan Rice and Harry Arter only served to deflect away from the minor injury-crisis Ireland are currently in the throes of, St Ledger remains remarkably positive, and believes all this negativity can have a revitalising impact.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Sean St Ledger believes, "that the players and management will just be happy that there's a game of football that they can concentrate on."
With the likes of James McCarthy, Robbie Brady, Sean Maguire, Shane Long and James McClean all missing through injury, Ireland find themselves significantly limited in terms of experience starters for the game in Cardiff.
However, despite the obvious set backs, St Ledger remains confident.
I think when you see things like the Harry Arter and Declan Rice things, sometimes this brings the squad together. Like I said there has been a lot of negativity surrounding this game.
The players and the staff know there are questions being asked and they’ve been tested. They’ll be tested tonight and you’ll have to see what kind of performance they’ll put it.
Okay there are injuries in attack but you know what? Let’s go out there, be fearless and hopefully try and get a result.
