Kerr downbeat after Keane's loss

Brian Kerr was in downbeat mood as he looked ahead to the forthcoming games against Georgia and Albania because of the passing away of Robbie Keane's father yesterday evening.

The Ireland manger said: "It's a very difficult time for Robbie and his family and we are looking to respect their privacy because Robbie and his father were very close.

Meanwhile, John O'Shea took full part in the morning's training in Portmarnock and Kerr welcomes Stephen McPhail, Richard Dunne, Alan Lee, and Alan Quinn who said: "I am delighted to be here training with the lads. I wouldn't be with Sheffield Wednesday if it wasnt for Brian and Noel O'Reilly."

Commenting on the game, Kerr said: "I love the challenges that these games bring. We need points, but there is no word from Uefa on whether the game is going ahead so everything would appear to be fine.

"Injuries are a regular occurence in my experience at youth level, you just get on with any given situation and I am delighted to welcome the lads into the squad.

Kevin Kilbane said: "There is no point looking back at the results against Russia and Switzerland, we are fully focussed after playing well in Scotland and we are looking to continue that form"

Asked about what former manager Mick McCarthy's words were, Kerr said: "Mick wished me and the lads all the best and asked to pass on all his best wishes to the squad."