Szczęsny and Lewandowski pleased with Poland

Top of UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group D, having recorded a first ever win against neighbours Germany in October, Poland are exceeding even their own expectations under coach Adam Nawałka.

"I'm quite surprised actually," goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny told UEFA.com. "We were not expecting to perform so well. It looked like Scotland, Ireland and ourselves would be fighting for second place – first place was supposed to go to Germany. But we wouldn't be satisfied with second now."

Sunday's game against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin is a chance for Poland to maintain their push, though captain Robert Lewandowski anticipates a rough ride. "It may not be a great spectacle and we will probably have to fight hard, but we are not afraid," the FC Bayern München forward told UEFA.com. "We know we need to almost steal these three points from them."

Ten points from four matches marks an excellent return for the Poles, yet Lewandowski knows more consistency will be required to make it to UEFA EURO 2016. "We are happy with the points we've gained, but right now it doesn't really make a big difference until we qualify," the 26-year-old noted. "Of all the matches, perhaps one or two were quite good. I hope the best is still to come and we will be even happier."

Szczęsny, 24, feels Lewandowski's captaincy has helped provide some of the platform for Poland's success. "He's a leader of this team, with a great relationship with the other players, especially the youngsters who are now coming into the national side," he explained. "We all try to help them, but Robert is really good in that role and it gives him that extra 10%. It feels like he's more responsible for this team."

The Arsenal FC custodian believes boss Nawalka deserves credit as well. "The coach has brought a lot of discipline to the team," he said. "It was hard to adjust at first, but we all accepted it eventually. It works on and off the field – and gives us those few extra points on the pitch when we play. Every minute of our get-togethers is well planned, even our free time. Every training session is meticulously prepared and carefully explained. The discipline seems to be working for us."

So is a place at UEFA EURO 2016 a realistic target? "We feel a great motivation to qualify," underlined Szczęsny. "Our fans deserve to see a good Poland team fighting at the highest level. I believe we will make it." Lewandowski added: "We are all sportsmen and we want to win every time we play. There is some sporting anger in all of us. We all want to play at big tournaments – and not just qualify but also to achieve something there."