Cunningham backs McCarthy to plot group great escape

REPUBLIC of Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham has backed under-fire manager Mick McCarthy and insisted: “We can still qualify for Euro 2004.”

Cunningham's team face an uphill task after last night's 2-1 defeat at home to Switzerland left them without a point from two games, and with plenty of ground to make up on both the Swiss who have seven points from three games and Russia, who have maximum points from two.

But the Birmingham defender said defiantly: "It is still possible we can qualify from this group. Of course it looks as if winning the group may be beyond us now, but we can fight for second place and that is still achievable for us.