Intro:

Republic of Ireland defender's John O'Shea and Sean St.Ledger look ahead to their crucial Euro 2012 Group C match against reigning champions Spain on Tuesday.

Script:

It is crunch time for the Republic of Ireland.

After losing their Group C opener against Croatia, Giovanni Trapattoni's side need to spring a surprise against the reigning champions Spain if they are to stay in the European Championship.

An estimated 30,000 Irish fans have travelled to the tournament and John O'Shea is determined to reward them.

SOUNDBITE: (English) John O'Shea, Republic of Ireland defender

"No it's one of those things, the pressure, we have to rise to it. The Spanish are going to be a massive test for us and after the disappointment of the Croatia game we have to give something back to everyone who has travelled over and to ourselves and the management as well and make sure we can make an impact at the tournament if we can, and what better way to do it than against Spain."

Sean St. Ledger scored Ireland's goal in the 3-1 defeat to Croatia.

The defender knows the odds are stacked against the Irish when they take on Spain, but he insists the mood in the camp is positive.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Sean St. Ledger, Republic of Ireland defender

"Yeah it's good, obviously disappointing to have lost the other night, but games come thick and fast and obviously we need to get a result against Spain.

Q: Are you confident of getting that result?

"I think we have to be, there is no other option really. We obviously have to get something from the game and obviously look forward to it."

The previous time the two nation's met was at the last 16 stage of the 2002 World Cup, after drawing 1-1, Spain eventually prevailed on penalties.