Kevin Doyle leads the Republic of Ireland attack into Euro 2012 qualification battle tonight insisting it's about time the country followed in the footsteps of Wolves boss Mick McCarthy by making it to the finals of a major tournament.
Mick was in charge the last time the Irish reached a major finals - the World Cup of 2002 - meaning at least a ten-year gap even if they do make it to Poland and the Ukraine in two years time.
Ireland were desperately unfortunate not to make it to Germany this summer, denied in part by the infamous Thierry Henry handball assist in the second leg of their play off with France.
But having remained unbeaten throughout their qualifying group, Doyle believes they kick off the new campaign at Armenia this afternoon (4pm) in good heart.
"If we play like we did in the group last time - and particularly the second half of qualification - then we should do well because we were very unlucky last time," said the Wolves striker.
"It was only Italy - the top team in the group - who pipped us last time and then France put us out.
"The manager here at Wolves was the last man to get us qualified, for the 2002World Cup if I remember correctly, and I'd love to be able to do it without needing the play-offs.
"We didn't make it the time before last either because of losing in the play-offs.
"And I think we missed out on Euro 2000 in the play-offs as well.
"But even though the group will be tough, if we play very well, we could have a chance of topping it and I'd love to do that."
Doyle is a confirmed starter for tonight's game alongside former Wolves striker Robbie Keane, and while aware of the tough nature of the group believes the Irish should have no qualms about aiming for top spot.
"Against the bigger teams, we seem to play very well so if we can play like that again, I'd be very confident of us finishing just as high," he added.
"Russia will be very close to qualifying first and then it's a play-off for the second place.
"Of course we've got experience of that and although we'd prefer to avoid it, why can't we be up there with Russia?"
Also in the Irish squad are Doyle's Wolves team-mates Kevin Foley and Andy Keogh, the latter of course now on loan at Cardiff.
After this afternoon's game the Ireland squad then welcome Andorra to the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday.
It's a busy night to kick off qualification for 2012 with Wayne Hennessey set to keep goal for Wales in their game in Montenegro (6.30pm).
Welsh coach John Toshack has confirmed Hennessey will win his 27th cap after edging out Boaz Myhill for the number one slot.
Midfielder Dave Edwards is another possible starter.
Scotland open their campaign away to Lithuania (7.15pm) with defender Christophe Berra expected to be named on the bench.
Striker Steven Fletcher has remained in Scotland as a precaution due to his recent foot injury but is in line to be available for their second qualifier against Liechtenstein on Tuesday.
Jelle Van Damme is with the Belgium squad for their qualifier with Germany (7.45pm) while Nenad Milijaš is with Serbia for their away tie with the Faroe Islands (6pm).
And as mentioned on WOW earlier today, Academy scholar Johnny Gorman is with the Northern Ireland squad as they take on Slovenia away from home (7.45pm).
Michael Mancienne meanwhile is with the England-under-21s as they open their qualifying campaign with a tough test in Portugal (6pm).
Slightly further afield Adlene Guedioura is with Algeria as they kick off their African Nations Cup qualification programme against Tanzania.
