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Kerr, when questioned about that poor record, said: "We don't have any real reason for being confident about winning other than we have a good team with a good spirit and good desire and passion. They are also a really determined group who are tight and have confidence in each other's ability - and they will always give it a right good go.
"We have had a decent build-up with the matches we have played and we have been consistent at home and away, losing just one game of our last 10, and they are good reasons for giving us confidence."
Kerr, who is set to release details of the make-up of his team just an hour before the 8.00pm kick-off, has been very satisfied with this week's build-up. He will face a Raymond Domenech-coached French side containing eight players with Barclay's Premiership experience.
"I am honoured to be the manager of this gang of players and privileged to help and guide them along the way," he said. "But they are an experienced bunch anyway, with their own intelligence and football instincts, and they know what they want and where they want to go. A lot of them have enjoyed the great days of World Cups and European finals, but they all still want to progress."
The main headache for Kerr comes in the centre of midfield, with a number of options available. Charlton's Matt Holland could be recalled, after making his
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Manchester United duo John O'Shea and Roy Keane (pictured right, against Switzerland) could also partner each other in the centre - or Keane could line out with either Graham Kavanagh or Kevin Kilbane in tandem.
Defender Steve Finnan, increasingly used in midfield by his club Liverpool, could also start on the right of midfield in place of Andy Reid, who has just one competitive start under his belt.
(*Photos courtesy of PA International)