“We can’t go there thinking we are going to lose. Obviously Scotland going there and doing well against them gives us confidence because I think we see ourselves as better than Scotland.”

However, he insisted that the players aren’t getting ahead of themselves.

He said: “I don’t think we’ll be going there big-headed or cocky that we’re going to get a result.

“We’re going to go there and work hard and try our best.”

Irish skipper Robbie Keane also believes his side can take a lot of confidence from their two wins in their European Qualifiers so far.

“Our aim was to get six points heading into the Germany game, so we’re going into the Germany game with a lot of confidence.

“Make no mistake, we can go over there and get something out of it, there’s no question about it. We’re going there to get something out of the game and I believe with the squad of players we have we can do it.”

However, he acknowledged that the Boys in Green will find it hard against the World Champions despite the Germans’ recent defeat.

Keane said: “Germany are the favourites, there is no question about it. It’s going to be a tough game, they are obviously completely different opposition (to Gibraltar)."

The Ireland captain also recognised that Germany’s opponents on Saturday night, Poland, are a good team.

“It just goes to show, Poland are a tough team with a good striker, so they are dangerous.”

The LA Galaxy striker said the recent results highlight the fact that the Republic of Ireland are in a hard qualifying group.

He said: “Poland are a tricky team. Look at Georgia as well, they are going to take points off teams as well. I know the (Georgia) result was 1-0, but it could have been a draw.”