DUBLIN: Roy Keane says the Republic of Ireland need to pull the welcome mat from beneath Poland's feet if they are to take three points from a crucial European Championship qualifier in Dublin on Sunday.
Keane, the assistant to manger Martin O'Neill, has called for Irish fans and players to turn the Lansdowne Road stadium into the fortress of old.
With Poland top of Group D, three points ahead of Ireland, Germany and Scotland, defeat for O'Neill's men could prove fatal to their dreams of making it to a second successive European finals -- and the omens aren't good.
Since 2001, when Keane and company stunned Louis Van Gaal's star-studded Netherlands team on the way to World Cup 2002 qualification, Ireland have struggled to take a scalp of any significance at Lansdowne Road.
Now, with Poland 32 places ahead of them in the FIFA Rankings (Ireland languish at 66), an opportunity exists not only to make a case for their participation at Euro 2016, but to also begin a new era of home dominance on a ground that was once so profitable in the golden reigns of Jack Charlton and Mick McCarthy.
Losing to Scotland in November has increased the pressure ahead of Sunday's game, but Ireland know victory will keep them firmly in the hunt for automatic qualification from Group D.
"If we want to do well in any campaign you have to have a decent home record," Keane said.
"A lot of teams have come here and probably enjoyed Lansdowne Road, but it's up to us to be on the front foot and get the fans behind us, which I sure they will be.
"The atmosphere will no doubt be brilliant but that can't just come from the fans, it has to come from the players.
"Whether that is by making tackles, creating chances or putting their bodies on the line.
"The old Lansdowne was brilliant and there was a great atmosphere but in terms of Sunday, that is the least of our worries. That will take care of itself and it will be electric."
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