Irish winger Liam Lawrence is focusing on another six point haul as Ireland face a pivotal week in their Euro 2012 qualifying group.
Ireland launched their Group campaign with victories over Armenia and Andorra last month, but will take a significant step-up in class over the next few days when they meet Russia and Slovakia, who are first and second seeded teams in Ireland's Group.
Dick Advocaat’s Russia side arrive in Dublin for Friday night’s clash at Lansdowne Road still angry after their 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Slovakians in Moscow, and a positive result for Giovanni Trapattoni’s men would send them to Zilina next Tuesday knowing they could strike a significant blow in the race for qualification.
Lawrence for one believes all six points are there for the taking.
The 27-year-old Portsmouth midfielder said: “I think we can give anyone a game and we can beat anybody, and I do think that six points is within our reach.
“They are two massive games, especially on Friday. It’s going to be a really tough game, but we have come through these tough games in the past and we have got to again.
“They will be stung a little bit and they will be hurting from that defeat.
“I am not sure they will be looking forward to coming here, so hopefully we can catch them again and we can get the win.”
Speaking about Ireland's resolve Lawrence said: “That will be put to the test on Friday because they are one of the biggest sides in the world and they have got some fantastic players.
“But it is going to be up to us, it’s on our turf and hopefully we will give them a good game.
“We have learnt from those games in the past and hopefully it will stand us in good stead for Friday because we are going to have to call upon all our experience and everything we have got for these two games.”
Lawrence started both games last month despite heading away on international duty with his move from Stoke to Portsmouth still up in the air, and is in line to win his 11th senior cap against Russia.
That could bring him into direct conflict with Arsenal’s Andrey Arshavin as he attempts to provide support for full-back John O’Shea.
Asked how he will deal with the hugely-talented Russian, he said with a smile: “I will just leave him to Josh – that’s his job.
“He is a fantastic player, he is brilliant. He does it week in, week out and we will certainly have to watch him.
“We will have to double up all over the pitch – but that’s when we are at our best, when we are pressing teams and getting at them and hunting them down.”
At club level, Lawrence is simply happy to be back playing regular 1st team football, even if it is in the Championship, after finding himself surplus to requirements at the Britannia Stadium, and is confident that will benefit him in his international career.
He said: “I had to leave Stoke to play regular football, and I feel now I am getting back to the player I was 18 months or a year ago.
“I know you say it’s a lesser league, but I just need to be playing regularly and I will be better when I come to these games now.”
Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has hailed the maturity of new signing Marc Wilson and feels the Irish international will add competition to his midfield options at Stoke.
Pulis told the club's website: "I wanted to freshen the squad up with some young players, and Marc certainly fits that criteria.
"He showed great maturity last season in what was a very difficult time for Portsmouth, so he will give us more competition for midfield places."
County Antrim born Wilson is also delighted to be back in the Premier League after suffering relegation with cash-strapped Pompey last season.
He added on the club's website: "This is a great club which is on the up and so this is a positive move for me.
"I had a taste of playing in the Premier League last season; it's the best league in the world and I wanted to get back there as soon as possible."
Wilson will also be hoping that his move back to the Premiership will increase his chances of featuring in Giovanni Trapattoni's plans for the European championship qualifiers over the next twelve months.
SSN are reporting that West Ham have now entered the race to sign Portsmouth captain Marc Wilson.
The 23-year-old Irish international defender is subject to interest from a number of top-flight sides, with West Brom having already had a £3million bid turned down.
Fulham are also keen, while Stoke are thought to be lining up a player-plus-cash deal for the defender - with Dave Kitson and Liam Lawrence discussing moves in the opposite direction - estimated to be worth around £3.5m.
But Avram Grant's West Ham have now also made an approach, as they are eager to shore up a leaky defence which has already conceded six goals in their opening two Premier League defeats.
Pompey boss Steve Cotterill previously admitting he would be powerless to prevent the County Antrim born defender from leaving Fratton Park if the club receive the right offer
West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo has not ruled out a renewed bid for Ireland international Marc Wilson but he admits that it will be difficult to force a deal when Portsmouth are not willing to sell their most promising player.
Pompey boss Steve Cotterill revealed last week that his club had rejected a bid from the Premier League Baggies for his County Antrim born captain, with skysports.com having broken the news earlier in August.
Wilson has been excellent for Portsmouth in the opening matches of this season and his versatility makes him an attractive prospect for top-flight new boys West Brom.
Di Matteo has remained evasive when questioned about the possibility of making another approach for Wilson but he does acknowledge that Cotterill is unlikely to sell one of his best players.
"We made an offer for Wilson and it's been rejected," the West Brom boss told the Birmingham Mail. "As he is not our player I won't comment too much on it.
"It's difficult to say what will happen because if a club doesn't want to sell we can't do much."
Ireland defender Marc Wilson revelled in his new-found responsibility at Portsmouth and insisted: I want the captaincy for keeps.
The County Antrim born Irishman was the surprise choice to lead Steve Cotterill's strongest side out for the pre-season friendly against Fulham last Saturday.
Despite being only 22, he was given the nod ahead of the likes of more senior players Michael Brown, Richard Hughes, Hayden Mullins, Tommy Smith and David Nugent.
For Wilson, it's recognition of the growing maturity from a player who in 12 months has established himself as a first-team regular.
The home-grown talent, who also skippered Pompey in Edmonton, has been one of four captains used during seven pre-season matches.
Wilson has also been called into Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland squad for the friendly international against Argentina next week.
But Wilson is determined to cling on to that armband for Saturday's Championship opener at Coventry.
He said: 'The manager has been really good. He's just happy for me to go and play my game.
'He hasn't actually given me a reason why he's made me captain a couple of times during the pre-season.
'But I'm happy to accept the responsibility.
'I think it's a good chance for me and I think it will help me as well.
'It will help me mature as a player. It's giving me that responsibility of telling the other players what to do, talking to them, trying to gee them up.
'It's definitely a good opportunity for me and a bit of recognition, if you like.
'The captaincy means a lot to me because I love the club – I've been here seven years.
'I love doing it to be honest. I've been with this club since I was little and it's a privilege, it really is.
'I do a lot of talking and have been getting a sore throat shouting too many times! But it's all good and I'd love to keep it for the Coventry game.
'I just hope the players listen to what I am saying.'
Wilson grabbed the match-winner against Fulham during unquestionably Pompey's best performance of the pre-season.
Buoyed by the return of the likes of Kanu, John Utaka and Prince Boateng – plus Ibrahima Sonko's debut – it was a timely shot in the arm ahead of the trip to Coventry.
And Wilson is looking for Pompey to carry that form into the season ahead.
He added: 'I think that Fulham performance was probably the best of the pre-season, especially as it was against Premier League opposition.
'Fulham are a good team, they did really well last year and had a strong team out.
'We always knew it was going to be a difficult game – so to get the result was even better.
'To be honest, the trip to America took it out of the lads a little bit with all the travelling.
'Even when we came back we were jet-lagged for a long time, especially for the Bournemouth game when the lads were still struggling with it.
'I think we are now all getting back and that showed against Fulham.
'I'm looking forward to the start of the season now.
'There are some tough games ahead and we have to be ready for them.'
Portsmouth midfielder Michael Brown is tipping surprise-package Marc Wilson for big, big things after his impressive maiden Pompey campaign.
The 22-year-old was thrown into Paul Hart's side at the start of the season following a flood of top-name departures.
No player has started more Premier League games for the Blues this season than Wilson.
It's testament to the prodigious talent of a player whose very first-team presence has come under intense scrutiny from fans at times.
Nonetheless, after playing much of the season in central defence, Wilson has gone on to establish himself as a holding midfielder - his preferred position - and become an outstanding performer.
Wilson is set to return to the Blues' line-up against Wolves on Saturday after being rested on the bench at Bolton.
And Brown regards the Irishman as one of the successes of the season.
He said: 'If Marc keeps on the right track he has a good chance of being a good Premier League player.
'You look at him and he is only 22 and has got a bit of everything.
'He has a bit of pace, has got that bit of grit about him, possesses composure on the ball, has long-range passing and he can play in several positions. People talk about his best role in the team, but I think Marc's good either way.
'He might prefer midfield but I think he'll do a job at centre half as well. He's got that versatility.
'He's got better for sure. It's difficult as well for someone to do particularly well and shine in a team which has not got results.
‘we have lost games, but people have noticed Marc and noticed what a good, young player he is.
‘I think everything has been put on the back burner with regards to the usual players' player of the year event.
‘But I would certainly think about Marc.'
Wilson's great progress for Pompey this season earned him his maiden Ireland call-up in February and he has attracted interest from Sunderland and Fulham, and both have been linked with close-season swoops.
With Portsmouth administrator Andrew Andronikou looking to cash in on some of the Blues' most bankable assets during the summer to keep the club afloat, the sale of Wilson may well be an attractive proposition.
And Brown is anticipating plenty more interest in the rising star.
He added: ‘I think there will be some clubs in for him in the summer willing to pay decent money.
‘We'll just have to see what happens, it's out of our control.
‘But I am sure there will be other clubs willing to take him.'
Ireland international Marc Wilson insisted Portsmouth's victory over Spurs will provide the team with inspiration when they face Chelsea in the Cup final.
Avram Grant's side sprung a major surprise as they delivered a big upset to knock out Harry Redknapp's men at Wembley on Sunday.
Pompey battled their way through to the final with a display of grit and heart.
County Antrim born Wilson felt the match proved to be a nip-and-tuck affair, before his side took the lead in extra-time through Frederic Piquionne.
They doubled their advantage through a Prince Boateng penalty to seal a win which will go down in Fratton folklore.
Wilson's side now have an even bigger task in the final when they face Chelsea.
But the Irishman believes yesterday's triumph can provide inspiration for another unlikely success.
Wilson said: 'I don't think there was a lot between the teams.
'Tottenham are a great side with great players.
'I think we just nicked the goal at the right time and that was good for us.
'Chelsea are a great team. They are one of the best teams in England, if not the best. We don't care who we'll face. We are just delighted that we have made it this far.
'We have to carry on in the same way we have been going so far. It's been a fantastic run.
'Chelsea are a good side, but so are Spurs – and no-one gave us a chance of beating them.'
Wilson explained there were riotous scenes in the Pompey dressing room after yesterday's win.
He said: 'The lads are buzzing. It was a brilliant atmosphere in the dressing room afterwards. It was definitely a bit lively.
'I was really pleased for the lads and delighted to get the result.
'It's a huge achievement to get to the final.'
Portsmouth star Marc Wilson is in the middle of a bitter war between the cashstrapped club and the Premier League.
The Premier League have blocked the young Irish centre half's £4million move to Sunderland but Pompey are still looking at ways of pulling off the club-saving transfer and may even appeal to FIFA.
Pompey have been stunned by the decision to pull the rug from deals that could rescue them from oblivion.
Their appeal to be allowed to flog players outside the transfer window caused uproar at rival topflight clubs. Even though there is a precedent for clubs 'in distress' to operate outside the window, Premier League chairmen demanded that the proposal was strangled at birth.
Pompey argue that Sunderland are ready to complete the transfer the moment they are given the go-ahead - and claim it is necessity if they are to pay this month's salaries.
If the Wilson move ultimately gets the go-ahead, it will be the signal for a string of departures from Fratton Park with several players expected to be sold.
The debt-ridden south coast club are keen to offload England keeper David James, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Nadir Belhadj in a desperate bid to raise cash to settle a £12m tax bill.
Ireland international Marc Wilson has committed his future to Portsmouth by signing a new three-and-a-half-year deal with the club.
The 22-year-old Co. Antrim born defender came through the ranks at Fratton Park and has established himself in the Pompey first-team this season.
The Premier League strugglers have been beset by financial problems this season, which have forced many players to move on, but Wilson insists he is happy on the South Coast.
"I've always wanted to stay at Pompey," he told the club's official website.
"This is my seventh year here and I really enjoy it.
"The fans are great and I couldn't imagine playing anywhere else."
Wilson spent two spells on loan at Bournemouth before making his first-team breakthrough for Pompey last season and the Irishman has made 22 appearances this term.
"I've really enjoyed playing first-team football this season and learning from some very experienced players," he added.
"There are a lot of good players here and even just training alongside them has helped me improve my game."
Ireland under 21 International Marc Wilson was named the Portsmouth man-of-the-match for the Premier League opener against Fulham last Saturday. Pompey lost 1-0, but Wilson looked assured alongside Sylvain Distin in the centre of defence.
He could do nothing about Fulham's winner, a Clint Dempsey shot which took a massive deflection off Bobby Zamora's back to deceive David James. But the young County Antrim born Irishman made some key challenges and clearances to ensure the Cottagers did not score again.
Wilson will be focused on cementing a regular start for Portsmouth this season and has shown great versatility in operating at right-back, centre-back & right-midfield for Pompey during the pre-season.
Wilson will also be hoping to catch the eye of Ireland international manager Giovanni Trapattoni and possibly earn a call-up to the senior squad. Portsmouth boss Hart admits Wilson is still far from the finished article, but he has challenged the Ireland man to keep hold of his spot.
"obviously it would have been a bit nerve-wracking for him, but he coped well in two positions.
"He did well in pre-season but I thought he tired a little in the last 20 minutes. He's a young boy who is learning his trade.
"He's a good defensive midfielder as well as a defender, so he has plenty of strings to his bow.
"Marc is in the team and the way I've always been brought up is if you've got the shirt, keep it.
"That's done by performance and Marc is no different to anyone else."
Tony Adams has backed Marc Wilson to continue making a Pompey impact.
The Irish defender continued his progress in the Portsmouth starting eleven and produced an outstanding display at Arsenal.
He was almost the architect of a shock Blues opener when his deep cross from the right was headed against the post by Peter Crouch in the 24th minute.
But his all-round performance was another massive plus point in the development of the home-grown product.
Wilson has now started three of Pompey's last four matches at right-back – and his manager believes it's just the start.
Adams said: 'The kid's fantastic and if he makes mistakes he makes them honestly. It can only be beneficial for him, it's a big positive.
'The first choice would be Glen (Johnson), but to get that level of experience for Marc can only be great for his career, it really can.
'I rate Marc highly – I think he's got every chance and I've been absolutely delighted with him.
'He's been given a chance and he's taking it.
I think he can be a real Premier League player.'
Ireland international Marc Wilson basked in a fine full Portsmouth debut but then declared: I want to go out on loan.
The 21-year-old from Co. Antrim, who had previously made just one substitute appearance for the first team, was handed his first start in an unfamiliar right-back role in last night's 3-0 UEFA cup win over Heerenveen.
But after an impressive all-round display that also included an inch-perfect cross for Peter Crouch's opener, the Republic of Ireland under-21 international revealed he was again keen to leave Fratton Park in a loan deal to gain more first-team experience.
In Wednesday night’s meaningless three-goal UEFA Cup victory over the Dutch side Heerenveen, Adams gave a full first team debut to 20-year-old Marc Wilson and later added the best possible endorsement of his talents a young defender could hope to receive.
Adams played the young Irishman at right back and after a nervous first five minutes he settled down to lay on one headed
And after the 6 ft 2 inch youngster earned the man of the match accolade from most neutrals in the press box Adams revealed: 'His attitude was very good - and he’s not even a right back.'
Wilson, who has previously enjoyed loan spells at Bournemouth and Luton, said: 'The manager has told me I'm part of his plans but I think both of us want to get me out on loan to play some football.
'We've got Glen Johnson who is a great right-back and has been different class for us this season so I think it will be very hard for me to get into the team at this moment in time. So I think the best thing is for me to get out on loan and play some football, although if the chance comes along to play in the team, of course I will take it.
'I've spoken to the gaffer and he thinks it would be a good idea to go out and get some experience at a Championship club.'
Although Wilson is predominantly a central midfielder or a centre-back, he slotted in effortlessly at right-back and produced a succession of inviting crosses – particularly in the first half.
Wilson said: 'It was great to be out there playing.
'Right-back is not my position – generally, I'm a midfield player but I enjoyed every minute of it. But I wasn't very nervous before the game and I felt pretty comfortable.'
Speaking after last nights win, Portsmouth boss Tony Adans said:
“I was delighted with Marc Wilson. I think he’s got every chance. He’s two-footed, can head the ball and is quick and strong.
“He put in some tremendous crosses from right-back, but I do see him as a centre-back. I think he can do it in the Premier League as a central defender.
“He needs to be playing every week. Unfortunately I think the best thing for me to do with him is to get him out on loan, maybe to a Championship side. I don’t think reserve-team football is probably good enough for him to learn his trade.
“He’s that close, but obviously at the moment he’s not better than Glen Johnson, Sol Campbell or Sylvain Distin.
“His attitude is fantastic. He wants to train and is the first one out and last one in.”
