GLENN WHELAN will spearhead the Republic of Ireland's quest for Euro 2012 qualification . . . determined not to leave anything to chance this time.

The Stoke City midfielder and his fellow countrymen are still smarting from the cruel way in which they were robbed of a place in the World Cup Finals and that will be a great source of motivation as they kick off their Euro 2012 campaign in Armenia.

Whelan has stated that Giovanni Trapattoni's side will be aiming for automatic qualification in the competition as they face a tough Group B which includes Russia, World Cup Finalists Slovakia, Macedonia and Andorra, as well as tonight's opponents.

The Republic of Ireland suffered the torment of losing out on a place in this summer's World Cup Finals in controversial circumstances when Thierry Henry's handball helped France to come out on top in the Play-Off for a place in the finals in South Africa.

"This campaign couldn't come quick enough after what happened to us in Paris," said the midfielder in looking ahead to the Euro 2012 opener in Armenia.

"Everyone is eager to get going again and make up for that disappointment and we don't want to be involved in any Play-Off this time. We are definitely going for top spot, even though we have some tough places to go and have some hard games to play.

"Whether it is Armenia or Russia, we will focus on what we can do, and I firmly believe that with the players we have, there is a good chance we can qualify."

Whelan is now one of the most experienced figures in the Ireland line-up and he added: "There is a good group of us who have picked up a fair few caps now.

"Two years ago, there were a number of players coming on to the scene who hadn't many games internationally, but we have gained valuable experience.

"We have been away and got some big results, especially the Italian game. It's just little things that you remember like how we got a late result out there."