STEVEN Reid is ready to fire the Republic of Ireland to the World Cup finals as he prepares for tonight's make-or-break qualifier with Switzerland in Dublin.

Despite a stuttering qualifying campaign, it's still possible for the Republic to finish top of Group 4 providing they beat the Swiss this evening AND France fail to beat Cyprus in Paris.

It's a tall order for Reid and his Ireland colleagues, but the Blackburn Rovers midfielder is quietly confident they can pull it off if, particularly if a fervent Lansdowne Road crowd pumps up the volume and gets fully behind Brian Kerr's team.

Reid said: "It has to be an advantage for us to play our final match at Lansdowne Road because we know how much support the fans will give us in Dublin.

"They never fail to deliver a special atmosphere in these all-or-nothing ties.

"It won't be easy for the Swiss to play a relaxed game and they certainly won't feel comfortable."

The Republic kept their World Cup dream alive thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 win in Cyprus at the weekend but qualification is far from a formality.

A win tonight would guarantee them a place in the play-offs - and possibly even automatic qualification depending on the France result.

However, the Swiss still need the points, too, and they are sure to be dangerous opponents, having won two and drawn one of their previous three meetings with the Republic.

Reid said: "Having lost to the Swiss in crucial matches in recent years - including one in Dublin - there is no way we'll be taking anything for granted just because we have home advantage.

"They've been a bogey team to us, and are very awkward opponents. They will be confident of turning us over again, I'm sure.

"Their creative players like Johann Vogel and Alexander Frei have caused us plenty of problems in the past, so we have to be wary of their threat.

"Switzerland might not be recognised as a major European footballing force but they still have plenty of quality players - players who can hurt us if we're not on song."

Incredibly, four teams can still qualify from group 4 going into the final round of matches as just two points separate the leaders Israel - who have completed their fixtures - and the Republic, who are currently in fourth position.

It's been an amazing four-way fight and Reid is hoping for one last dramatic twist that will see the Republic emerge triumphant.

The 24-year-old added: "This qualifying group has been a bit of an epic, so it's probably fitting that it's gone right to the wire,.

"I can't recall another group that's seen four teams in with a chance until the last game. It's incredible.

"Now comes the big test against Switzerland. A win and we're in the play-offs. It's as simple as that."