Keith Andrews believes that the Republic of Ireland are still very much in with a chance of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.
Ireland are in a three-way battle with Sweden and Austria for second place in Group C as Germany look to be runaway group winners.
Ireland currently sit third in the group despite a 6-1 defeat by Germany in October, and Andrews believes that they are very much in the mix to qualify.
"It was always going to be a tough group. Germany seem to qualify for tournaments at a canter every single time," said Andrews.
"If we are being honest, we have ear-marked second spot alongside Sweden and possibly Austria, and that's still very much the case.
"We have got a big double-header next month, away to Sweden and home to Austria, and we are going to have to produce two good performances to get some points on the board."
Andrews will miss Ireland's friendly against Poland on Wednesday due to a thigh injury.
Barney Corkhill
