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'I think everyone knows how big the Poland game is' - Stephen Ward

Stephen Ward insists everyone in the Ireland camp will be under no illusions about the ...



'I think everyone knows ho...
Soccer

'I think everyone knows how big the Poland game is' - Stephen Ward

Stephen Ward insists everyone in the Ireland camp will be under no illusions about the importance of their upcoming Euro 2016 qualifier against Poland.

The Group D leaders visit Dublin in just two weeks' time and Dubliner Ward has been included in Martin O'Neill's 35-man provisional panel for the Aviva showdown.

After four games, Ireland are tied on seven points with Germany and Scotland in second. The Poles have 10.

Ward was flying in early season as Ireland's established left-back, and making waves in the Premier League with Burnley.

However, in December he suffered a bad injury and is only returning to full fitness, while the Clarets have become embroiled in a relegation battle.

"Feeling great," he told Ger and Nathan on Off The Ball. "Nice to be back and involved, [I] just have to be patient and wait on that chance to get back in the team. 

"I had a break in my leg just above the ankle - I had an operation on it ... they sorted it out." 

The 29-year-old added: "I've had three of four reserve games under my belt so I'm feeling back up to match fitness now. It's just about waiting for my chance at club level. 

"I'll be honoured once again if I'm in that final [Ireland] squad ... then it'll be up to the manager."

Speaking ahead of Burnley's match this evening against Manchester City, he continued: "I think everyone knows how big a game it is coming up.

"We're in the mix anyway ... if you told us at the start what points you'd be sitting on after four games - maybe people would have thought results would have come another way.

"We felt we should have at least taken a draw up in Scotland, it was nothing game really, they hit us with a sucker-punch.

"We're right in the group and I think the next two games at home, Poland and Scotland. If we can make our mark on them we'll have a great chance."

Ger and Nathan began by asking Stephen about coming back from fitness and the situation at Burnley, before turning to Ireland's upcoming Euro 2016 qualifier against Poland at around 6.25:

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