Simon Cox has revealed that the Republic of Ireland squad are relishing the task of playing against World and European champions Spain.
Giovanni Trapattoni's men must take something from their next Group C game if they are to keep their Euro 2012 dream alive following a 3-1 defeat against Croatia.
The West Bromwich Albion midfielder said that Ireland are looking forward to pitting their wits against Spain on Thursday.
"You don't come to major tournaments and get easy games," Cox said. "Now probably two of the most-feared nations in world football, we have got them in front of us, and we are going to go out and enjoy it.
"Now we have got the first game under the belt, we know what the atmosphere is going to be like, we know what the stadium is going to be like.
"We don't fear the Spain game now anyway, so it's going to be a game we will look forward to."
Ireland's final game sees them facing Italy next Monday.
Michael Penkman
