Former Chester City striker Jon Walters believes his Republic of Ireland side can make an impression at Euro 2016.
The 32-year-old former Blues man was last night named as part of manager Martin O'Neill's squad for the tournament after the Stoke City forward played a major role in the helping them make it to France with a number of match-winning displays.
It's over nine years since Walters departed the Deva Stadium for Ipswich Town, having shone against the Tractor Boys in an FA Cup tie, and his career since then has continued on an upward trajectory, with the Moreton-born man having established himself as Premier League player and had a taste of major international competition at the World Cup in Brazil two years ago.
Ireland face a tough Group E containing Sweden, Belgium and Italy at Euro 2016 but that doesn't faze Walters who insists his squad fear no-one.
"We played the world champions (Germany) in qualifying and drew with them in Germany and beat them at home, so we don't fear anyone," he told the Stoke Sentinel.
"I don't think you'll get many teams like we are as a unit.
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"You look forward to testing yourself against the best, of course, that's why you play football. You look forward to it and let's hope people don't look forward to playing against us."
Walters signed for Chester in the summer of 2006 from cross-border rivals Wrexham and was an instant fans favourite with his eye for goal and tireless work ethic.
It was that work ethic that was noticed by then Ipswich manager Jim Magilton during an FA Cup third round tie between the Blues and the Tractor Boys in January 2007 that saw him make the move to Suffolk.
He spent four years at Portman Road before earning a move to Stoke in during the 2010/11 season for £2.75m, a move that would eventually earn him full international honours.
Walters was revered as a national hero in Ireland after his two goals secured a 2-0 second leg success over Bosnia in the play-offs to book the Green Army's place at this summers competition.
“I missed the first leg through suspension but it was a huge team effort – everyone played their part. It was a great result out there (1-1) and then it was fantastic to win 2-0 at home and score the two goals.
“But it wasn't about me – we have an amazing team bond and it lifts the whole country."
"It's a huge tournament and I'm massively looking forward to it."
