Stephen Kenny excited by tough task to secure result in Paris

Stephen Kenny admitted that tomorrow's game would be the biggest test of his tenure, but is convinced that his side will give themselves every opportunity of securing a historic result against France at Parc des Princes.

Ireland need to get vital points on the board over the upcoming double-header with games against the World Cup runners-up tomorrow night followed by a decisive Dutch encounter on Sunday night in Dublin.

And while the manager acknowleged that it was going to be a very tough task to get something from the clash with the Group B table-toppers, he said that he was relishing the challenge and excited by it.

"I would say it is," said Kenny, when asked whether this game was the biggest challenge he has faced as Ireland manager. "France have been to last two World Cup finals, so they are definitely in the two best teams in world, if not the best.

"We have to respect their talent and to come into their backyard, their home arena, playing them presents a stiff challenge, and one that we understand is difficult. But we are very excited by it as well and we understand that it is an opportunity for us.

"I have every confidence in the players and they showed their quality in the game against France in Dublin, which was a very even affair overall. France had more possession, but chances created was pretty even.

"It’s different coming to Paris, we understand that. A different challenge and we are missing several of our players, but it increases the motivation to put in a strong performance and that’s certainly our intention."

Evan Ferguson, of course, is the latest and perhaps most significant player to be ruled out of the double-header, but the manager would not entertain the idea that he is due some good luck following a