Mick McCarthy managed to hide a broad grin after the Republic of Ireland's World Cup draw and insisted his side must not take anything for granted.
Ireland were drawn in Group E, alongside seeds Germany, Cameroon and Saudi Arabia, and while McCarthy admitted he would not change places with England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, was happy with the outcome.
As well as being in one of the easiest-looking groups, there was more good news for the Irish with the fact that they will be based in Japan for the group phase in next summer's finals, allowing them to take advantage of their preferred base in Izumo.
After the draw in the Korean city of Busan McCarthy said : "I was not worried about who we got you get who you get and I am just delighted to be here.
"It perhaps suits us to play a team like Germany as a seed, as they are more our style of play rather than Spain or Italy.
"Remember, we knocked Holland out. If they were here they would be potential winners but we knocked them out."
McCarthy has already cast his eye over Saudi Arabia in their match against the Republic's play-off opponents Iran, and plans to find out more about both them and Cameroon.
But he resisted suggestions that the Republic would be hugely disappointed not to grasp the chance of qualifying for the second phase.
"Don't be putting that on me six months before we kick a ball," he said.
"They are all good teams. Cameroon are unpredictable. On any given day you are going to get absolute brilliance, and on another while not the complete opposite a different performance from them.
"I've watched the Saudis too against Iran and I have video tapes of other games at home. Now we have six months to find out more about the all."
Germany coach Rudi Voller was in no doubt that the Republic represent their biggest challengers to top the group the reward would probably be a fairly straightforward game against the runners-up in Group B: Spain, Paraguay, Slovenia and South Africa.
Voller said: "It's an intermediate group and I'm optimistic, but we have the strongest team in Africa and also Ireland, who have knocked out the Netherlands in qualifying.
"Ireland may not be a top name but we have to look at their current form and from what they did in qualifying they have to be regarded as a very dangerous opponent. PA