Stephen Ward: 'We feel we can go into any game now with the confidence to win'

Stephen Ward has challenged the Republic of Ireland to pile pressure on Wales when the sides meet on Friday night with three precious World Cup qualifying points at stake.

A depleted Ireland host the Euro 2016 semi-finalists in Dublin sitting pretty at the top of Group D with 10 points from their opening four games - four more than the visitors from the same number of matches.