Semi-final heroes at Euro 2016 in France last summer, Chris Coleman’s Welsh side are yet to taste defeat in their bid to reach the 2018 showpiece tournament in Russia.
They’ve played four qualifying games to date, but three of those have been draws, leaving them languishing in third in Group D.
Conversely, Ireland top the pile with 10 points and left-sided defender Ben is under no illusions about the magnitude of Friday’s fixture.
“It’s a massive game, one that’s really important,” said the 23-year-old, who normally operates on the left side of a back three for Wales.