Coleman expects Ireland to start off on the right note

Seamus Coleman believes that Ireland's ambition to win their UEFA Nations League group has given the team an added incentive to start the campaign with a win in Yerevan.

And the Everton defender feels that the team will need to get off to a winning start to have a realistic chance of achieving that goal with tougher tests ahead over the next ten days.

The Republic of Ireland were named in a group alongside Saturday’s opponents, Armenia, as well as Ukraine and Scotland, who played earlier this week.

Ukraine beat Scotland 3-1, however, the game was not part of the Nations League group but rather the remaining World Cup qualification play-off, with the winners playing Wales on Sunday for a place at this year’s tournament.

Scotland and Ukraine will be deemed tougher opponents for Stephen Kenny’s side as the group progresses, however, the full focus remains on the opening game against Armenia as Ireland look to secure their first ever win in the competition following ten failed attempts.

"I think without a shadow of a doubt it is an incentive," said Coleman, speaking at the pre-match press conference..

"Tomorrow afternoon’s game is the most important one for us trying to start off on a good note. We know it won’t be easy, but the last 12 months have been really good, like the manager touched on, the Serbia game, Portugal, Belgium.

"The team has grown in confidence and we are playing a style of football that people want to see, and we are forever improving.

"The new lads coming in as well are eager to impress, so we will start off tomorrow hoping to get all three points, play well and we will go from there. You go into any campaign wanting to do the best that you can, so that is what we will be doing."

A video of Coleman in the Everton