Hughton upbeat as D-days near

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND assistant-manager Chris Hughton remains confident their World Cup campaign can be salvaged — despite growing pressure ahead of a critical double-header.

The Irish have to win their remaining two Group 4 qualifying matches against Cyprus in Nicosia on Saturday and Switzerland at Lansdowne Road next Wednesday to stand a chance of at least claiming a play-off place.

Despite a fraught time ahead, with manager Brian Kerr's squad due to meet up in Dublin this afternoon before flying out to Cyprus tomorrow, Hughton is unfazed by a task he had been expecting.

"When the fixtures were announced, going into these last two games of the group Cyprus away and Switzerland at home we thought then we would have to get something from both games," said Hughton.

"We felt some of the other big nations would pick up points away in Cyprus, so we felt we would have to get something there as well, and also have to get something from our last game against Switzerland.

"Ideally, it would have been to get something to win the group, but it is a different situation now. Despite that, we're confident going into both games."

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given, who produced an impressive performance in helping the Magpies to a goalless draw at Portsmouth on Saturday, is aware of the magnitude of Ireland's closing group matches.

"It's a massive week for me, with massive games coming up," said Given.

"We've two must-win games, and we have to get all six points to stand any chance of qualifying for the World Cup."

Meanwhile, Juventus striker David Trezeguet will miss France's crucial Group 4 World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Cyprus through injury.

Trezeguet strained a thigh muscle in his left leg during Juve's 2-0 league win over Inter Milan on Sunday.

Further tests have confirmed the Frenchman will be out of action for at least 10 days and therefore will not be available on Saturday against Switzerland and will also miss the clash against Cyprus four days later.

Trezeguet was due to make his international return this week after serving a two-match ban following his head-butting of an Israel player in their World Cup qualifier last March.

France are level on 16 points with Switzerland at the top of the group with two games left.

French coach Raymond Domenech is also without the services of Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.