We're the underdogs says Mick

"I will not entertain such thoughts. For me they are the favourites to win the group because they have some very good players, even with all their injuries, and also because they have history and tradition on their side.

"That can have a major bearing on a World Cup finals.

"With no disrespect to ourselves, Cameroon or Saudi Arabia, it is fair to say that the Germans dwarf us all in terms of World Cup achievement. They have three titles to their team and that means they know how to play in a tournament like this, even if this is not one of the great German sides.

"It is like a Premiership team going to play at Liverpool, Arsenal or Manchester United. There is always a psychological disadvantage when you go to those places because you aren't just playing against 11 players, you are also taking on history and tradition. That can be dangerous."

McCarthy sent his former international colleague Gerry Peyton to run the rule over the Germans when they lost against Wales last week. But he is not reading too much into that 1-0 defeat either.

"I have spoken to Gerry and read his report. We know that the Germans will be a better side come June just as they will be better then than they were against England.

"I look at the results since as a better form guide. England have not performed as well since that night and it may do them a favour because those friendly results will lower expectations ahead of the World Cup finals and take some of the pressure off Sven's team.

"Germany lost to Wales and to a very good Argentina side but they scored 18 goals in their wins against Israel, Austria and Kuwait. That is more indicative of the sort of threat we will face in the World Cup finals."

Jason McAteer is Ireland's only injury worry ahead of Saturday's warm-up match against Hiroshima, 24 hours after the team travels on to Japan.

"Jason has a slight ankle problem but he will be fine. Everyone else is fully fit and coping with the heat and humidity," added McCarthy.