Kerr ready to defy critics

Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr insists he is not feeling the pressure.

It has been widely reported that Kerr is working on borrowed time at the moment, with Aston Villa boss David O'Leary having been linked with the position.

Ireland are likely to need victory in both of their remaining games, against Cyprus and Switzerland, if they are to gain at least a play-off for World Cup qualification.

At a press conference, Kerr denied he had cancelled Tuesday's briefing with the media, insistent in his stance that the only thing on his mind was Saturday's trip to Cyprus.

''It doesn't bother me at all (the speculation). I've got a job to do and I've prepared for it in the same way I always do - in doing my assessment of the players - making sure they are ready physically and mentally,'' said Kerr.

''I don't actually see much of it - I'm not in control of it, so it doesn't really bother me.

''We're concentrating on winning the two games - if we win those then 'Bob's your uncle' we're all smiling.

''I've always prepared a team to win the best way I can and that's the way I am about this one.

''Nothing has changed. It's the same preparation and thought process.

''The squad for these two games is capable of winning both games. We've prepared for it and are ready.''

Kerr concedes that at times his Ireland side have not produced the standards he would have hoped for but that ultimately, if they secure qualification, then all criticism will be forgotten.

''We've had a few unlucky breaks, maybe haven't had that slice of luck we've been looking for,'' he concluded.

''But maybe in the next few games. But I wouldn't be critical in any way.

''It hasn't been quite good enough in a couple of games. As I said, it was always going to be a thin line against France - in a game of very few chances.

''I'm disappointed we haven't got more points but if we have enough by the end, then that will be good enough.

''Every international match has been vitally important for me - we've lost one game in the group and we can't afford to lose another one.''

Ireland are expected to be boosted by Damien Duff's availability to start on Saturday, despite the fact he has seven stitches in a foot wound sustained against Liverpool on Sunday.