John Giles: ‘Wales are no great shakes and they’re missing their best player’

John Giles discussed Ireland’s World Cup rescue mission with John Fallon

Can Ireland salvage a play-off spot by beating Moldova and Wales over the next five days?

“It is a difficult but possible. We were at our best when we had to win. Look at the examples, back in 2009 under Giovanni Trapattoni when we had to beat France in Paris. We hadn’t played like that before. By having to win, it eliminates the fear. When we went a goal ahead early on against Serbia in the first game of the campaign, the team had something to lose. People say a point away from home is good but only when you deserve to lose. If we go a goal up against Wales, there’s no point sitting back. That we have to win should help the players. It’s psychological stuff.”