Chris Coleman says Wales have nothing to fear as their World Cup hopes go on the line against the Republic of Ireland on Monday night.
The winner-take-all decider will see the victor guaranteed a play-offs spot for next year’s finals in Russia.
And a victory for Wales could see them snatch top spot in Group D if leaders Serbia – one point ahead – fail to beat Georgia at home.
But Coleman insisted: ”I don’t want to sound over-confident but we’ve sat here before with these big games.
“We look forward to these games because I’ve been in positions where I didn’t know if I’d still be in a job if I’d lost that next game.
“There’s s no fear from me in this situation and there’s nothing for the players to fear.
“It’s big as anything we’ve been involved in, but the good thing is we’ve been here before and we’ve got that experience.
“I think it will be toe-to-toe, end-to-end. Both sets of players are quite similar, so I can see it being a lot of contact and very exciting.
“I don’t think it will be one of those fights where we are jabbing at each other. I think we will go for it, both teams.”
Ireland go into the game one point behind Wales knowing a draw will not be good enough for them to reach the play-offs.
But manager Martin O’Neill insists Wales are the favourites with home advantage at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Last March’s 0-0 draw in Dublin was overshadowed by the horror leg break suffered by the Republic’s right-back Seamus Coleman.
“It compares favourably to a lot of big matches I’ve been involved in,” said O’Neill, who has agreed a new contract 2020.
“We’ve put ourselves in a position where we have to win the game and Wales probably the same.
“It doesn’t bother me if Wales are favourites because they have to win. They are at home so they have that advantage. It’s all to play for.
“The most important is to win the game. Whatever game plan we have we will utilise it the best we can.
“There is a bit of everything in it. You need patience, but not too much, and after 90 minutes we have to find ourselves in front and we’re capable of doing that.”
