The Republic host the Australians at Limerick on Wednesday, in their first game since the 1-1 draw with Bulgaria in Sofia in June, and are set to name a strong starting line-up.

They then visit Cyprus on September 5, when they will have a decent opportunity to maintain the pressure on Group Eight leader Italy who are just one point ahead at the top of the group, albeit with a game in hand.

On their return, the Republic then host South Africa in another friendly - again at Limerick - before a pivotal double header in Dublin against Italy and Montenegro.

Brady sees Wednesday's friendly as providing vital preparation for the World Cup qualifiers.

"This is a hugely important game because we're still in with a big chance of qualifying for the World Cup next year and this is preparation for the Cyprus game which will be upon us in three weeks' time," he said.

"It's a great chance to try the team that will play against Cyprus and that's the way the manager has been speaking in the last few days.

"We're going to have a team that will largely be the side that faces Cyprus and we all know how crucial that match is."

Coventry striker Leon Best is the only doubt for the Republic with a foot injury but Kevin Doyle, who joined Wolves over the summer, is a surprise inclusion.

Brady continued: "It's the first time we've had very few cry-offs. Leon Best is a doubt; he's having an examination at Coventry today (on a foot injury) and they're going to let us know if he's available but I have to say it's doubtful.

"We've still got 23 players all happy to be here."

He added: "(Wolves manager) Mick McCarthy threw us a dummy last week when he told me to tell the manager Kevin wouldn't be coming over because he'd picked up a little infection in the wound after the operation.

"But he rang me again on Saturday to say Kevin would be playing a half-hour in a friendly that day and therefore he can have 45 minutes with us.

"I think the move to Wolves will do Kevin the power of good. He'll be back to his best and we're going to need him for the next three World Cup qualifying matches."