Roy Keane wants Ireland to put bodies on the line against Poland

Roy Keane wants Republic of Ireland to make the Aviva Stadium a fortress as they look to beat Poland in this weekend's European Qualifier in Dublin.

The Irish take on the Group D leaders on Sunday and Martin O'Neill's No 2 is calling on the players to lift the home fans by putting their bodies on the line against the Poles.

The visitors currently top the division on 10 points and hold a three-point advantage over Germany, Scotland and the Republic.

Keane said: "If you want to do well in any campaign you have to have a decent home record, and I'm guessing a lot of teams have come here and probably enjoyed the Aviva.

We'll be making tackles, creating chances and putting bodies on the line and that will get fans right behind us

"It's up to us to be on the front foot and obviously get the fans behind us and I'm sure they will be. The atmosphere will be brilliant but that can't just come from the supporters that has to come from the players.

"We'll be making tackles, creating chances and putting bodies on the line and that will get fans right behind us.

"We are looking forward to it but of course the old Lansdowne Road was brilliant with the atmosphere there, but the atmosphere for Sunday is the least of our worries that will take care of itself. I think it will be electric.

'Memories'

"A win would be nice after the disappointment of November's 1-0 defeat in Scotland. You can't have too many draws. Some days, you get good draws and bad draws, like the one in Germany is no doubt a good one. But the mindset at home is to go win the match.

"The slip-up in Scotland is one that we don't want to cost us too much, but the mindset with the manager, staff, players and fans behind us has to be to go try win the football match."

The Aviva will be packed as Ireland set about their task of hoping to rekindle the memories of their last major victory on
home soil, the famous 1-0 win over Holland in which Jason McAteer's goal set the nation on the road to the 2002 World Cup finals.

Keane played in that game and set the tone for the afternoon when he thundered into a first-minute tackle on Marc Overmars.

Asked if he could have the same sort of influence from the sidelines this time around, he replied: "No, I cant tackle anyone, can I?

"No, it's difficult, but we have good players and good characters. Creating a good tempo in the game can come from anyone. Some days it's a tackle and others, please God, it's goals."

The former Irish captain also feels his decision to leave his job as assistant manager at Aston Villa four months ago has helped his role with Ireland under Martin O'Neill.

He added: "I have the chance to get to games and see the players more often. I am very comfortable with the decision, it was right for everybody."

Watch Republic of Ireland v Poland live on Sky Sports 5 from 7.30pm on Sunday