According to Mick McCarthy, Cameroon will be itching to face the Republic of Ireland after events in the Irish camp this past week.
But the Irish boss reckons the Africans will be in for a big surprise when the teams meet in Saturday's opening Group E clash.
"If Cameroon have been watching us this week they'll be rubbing their hands," said McCarthy. "They will be going 'Yahoo! Bring on the Irish!'
"But when they see us on Saturday I think they might see a different team."
McCarthy will be sticking to his usual 4-4-2 formation against Cameroon's 3-5-2, and is confident his team are equipped to handle whatever comes their way.
He said: "Why should we do things differently now? We are a good team when we play that way. Why doubt yourself now? I trust myself.
"Despite all that has been going on this week I think our lads have been superb. The training has been sharp and they have been focused on what they have been doing. I can't compliment them enough.
"But it is performances and results that will count on the pitch - that was the same when we set off for Japan and it is no different now, there is just a little bit more emphasis on it.
"The achievement in getting here was brilliant, a great achievement - we want to do better now."
Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer, however, still fears the threat posed by the Republic of Ireland despite the loss of Keane.
Schafer believes Keane's absence could even work against his side.
"There is no doubt that Roy Keane is one of the best players in the world today and I am sure any team would be affected by the loss of such a player," said the 51-year-old German.
"But this Irish team, even without Roy Keane, is still a very good one. I fear that without him the players will work even harder and show greater unity.
"It means we will have to tread very carefully against Ireland because we cannot afford any mistakes in the first match."
PA