O'Shea targets last-16 spot at Euro 2016
John O'Shea is confident the Republic of Ireland are in the mood to improve upon their last trip to a major tournament when they head for France this summer.
Ireland left Euro 2012 four years ago without having collected a single point after being pitched into battle with Croatia and eventual finalists Spain and Italy in the group stage.
Their task will be difficult again this time around with Sweden, Belgium and the Italians again awaiting them at Euro 2016, but 35-year-old O'Shea has sensed an even greater determination to succeed this time around.
He said: "Ultimately when you get to a major tournament, the first aim when you make the 23, you want to get out of the group, that's the key.
"The atmosphere and enthusiasm around the group have got stronger and stronger throughout this campaign, and that's something that is very similar, but has probably gone up a notch as well.
"It's a different squad, different management and there are lots of different elements involved in it to make me believe that it's going to be very different."