Ireland international Darren O’Dea says the opening Euro 2016 match against Sweden could be “critical” in terms of our hopes of making the last 16 in France.
Ireland were drawn in Group E with Belgium, Italy and Sweden.
O’Dea was in the squad for Euro 2012, and joined Jamie Moore on 98FM’s Now That’s What I Call Sport on Sunday morning.
He feels Ireland have a chance and won’t fear the opposition but will be “underdogs” and will actually enjoy that tag.
O’Dea also said Martin O’Neill and his staff need to manage players in terms of time around the hotel and allow them to see their friends and family and keep the players "mentally rested, and not keep them lying in bed all day every day."
In 2012, the squad spent a huge amount of time in hotel rooms under Giovanni Trapattoni.
He also spoke about his time playing in the Indian Super League this year and his plans to find a new club.
Listen to the full 25 minute interview here:
