Preview: Can John O'Shea's Ireland build on Belgium performance to slay Switzerland?

Can John O'Shea’s Ireland side go one step further and get that much sought after victory as they take on Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium tonight?

Having come close to beating Belgium – a missed penalty and a host of missed chances denied O’Shea’s side a win – the squad will look to take the building momentum from that performance and replicate it tonight.

There were a lot of positives to take from the scoreless draw on Saturday against the world’s number four ranked side; missed chances aside, there were strong performances from all units, as the young three-man defence stayed solid, the midfield duo of Josh Cullen and Will Smallbone looks like a partnership of the future, while the attacking trio all showed up, worked hard and were unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.

Then there was the individual excellence of the experienced Seamus Coleman and Robbie Brady who patrolled both flanks flawlessly, not forgetting keeper Caoimhín Kelleher, who made a vital save when eventually called into action late in the game.

It was abundantly clear that this team have full faith in the manager, the system he asked them to play, and in their own ability as a unit.

Remarkable to think a team can maintain that positivity considering the run of results that they have experienced over the past 12 months, but the O’Shea factor seems to be key considering that this international window could have proved farcical and forgetful with no permanent manager in place.

O’Shea may only be in for two games, however, he is treating the role as his own, and has fully invested in showcasing the very best of this Ireland squad for the two friendly fixtures.

But another tough test awaits tonight against opponents who have sat consistently inside the top 20 in