ROBBIE Brady wants Republic of Ireland to build on collecting their first point of Euro 2016 when they come up against the competition’s highest ranked team on Saturday (2pm).

After drawing their opening game 1-1 with Martin Olsson's Sweden, the Irish face a Belgium side who according to the FIFA standings are currently the second best team in the world behind Argentina.

Belgium’s first match of the tournament ended in a 2-0 defeat to Italy, meaning a positive result for Martin O’Neill’s side this weekend would significantly bolster their bid to reach the next stage.

Speaking to the media following the Sweden clash, Brady said: "We’ve shown we can hurt teams and I’m really looking forward to the next two games.

"We were quite dominant [against Sweden] for a lot of the game and had a lot of chances but didn’t get the three points. It’s still a point on the board and we’ll go into Saturday looking for the win.

"We’re a hard team to beat and not many teams will like playing us. I’ve got a good feeling we can get out of the group."

Brady also paid tribute to Norwich City teammate Wes Hoolahan; the Canaries stalwart marking his tournament debut with a fine strike in Ireland's first fixture at the Finals earlier this week.

"He’s a class act and I’m over the moon for him," said the 24-year-old former Manchester United Academy graduate.

"Nobody will be able to take that goal away from him. He was excellent, which he always is.

"Wes is a joy to play with and it’s a joy to watch him play. He’s one of those lads you think might get caught sometimes and he just manages to come up with something to get himself out of it.

"All credit to him because he’s a top-class player."

To view the full Euro 2016 group programme for our players, click HERE.

ROBBIE BRADY: IRISH CAMP ARE CONFIDENT

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