Jack Charlton will tonight make only his second appearance at a Republic of Ireland match since departing the manager's job nearly two years ago. Big Jack, who also watched Ireland beat Liechtenstein 5-0 in May, is a commentator with Channel 5.

Asked about the changes McCarthy has made in Ireland's set-up, Charlton said: "Changes had to take place and Mick has made them. He has done an excellent job since he took over from me because it was never going to be an easy job.

"I was lucky to have experienced, top-class players like Mark Lawrenson, Liam Brady, Paul McGrath and Packie Bonner but Mick has had to start with a lot of new faces.

"He was sensible enough, though, to keep some of the older ones as well and there's no better example than Tony Cascarino.

"He's scored seven goals in the qualifying matches and has been absolutely marvellous. It is obvious to me the Belgians will be worried about him more than anybody else. I saw the game this month against Romania and for me Cas was the man of the match.

"l still want to see the Irish win every game. I still refer to them as `we'.

"I desperately want Mick and the team and the fans to get to the World Cup finals again, and I believe we can. It will be very tight against the Belgians over two legs and even a 1-0 win at home might just be a very good result.

"It is important we don't let the Belgians score because the away goals rule is often decisive over two-leg matches. It would be lovely to get three or four goals in the home game but it is more likely everything will be decided in the second leg.

"Over the years we have had an excellent away record and the results in Iceland and Lithuania recently suggest that it is still a strength."