The Bayern Munich striker is currently on such a hot streak - with fourteen goals in five games - that Nawalka also had no hesitation in dubbing him the best number 9 in the world, at a pre-match press conference in Warsaw today ahead of the European Championship match against Ireland tomorrow night (7.45pm).

Asked about the form of the Munich superstar, Poland’s coach replied: “I have to say this question has been asked a lot of me recently and I do have to confirm that, for the time being, Robert Lewandowski is the best number 9 in the world.”

Sitting next to his manager, Polish player Jacob Wawrzyniak interjected with a smile: “And lest anyone is in any doubt we do believe that tomorrow Robert Lewandowski will confirm that.”

Nawalka then added: “He is developing and progressing all the time and I do not think there is anyone who can stop him.”

Poland are likely to be even more reliant on their talisman against Ireland since it was confirmed today that they will be without Arek Milik, the Ajax player who has supplied six goal and six assists in the course of their qualifying campaign.

Nawalka acknowledged Milik as “a phenomenal player” but his replacement for tomorrow’s game, Artur Sobiech of Hannover, insisted that he would be up to the task of filling his boots.

“I know what is at stake,” he said, “but I will do everything I can to meet the fans’ expectations.”

Also out injured is Maciej Rybus who will be replaced by Lechia Gdansk left-full Wawrzyniak.

Coach Nawalka admitted to having been “surprised” by Ireland’s 1-0 victory over Germany on Thursday but said he had analysed his opponents’ “strong and weak” points and had a concrete plan in place to deliver the win which would secure automatic qualification to France 2016 for the hosts tomorrow night.