Doherty tries to keep heat off Kerr

With temperatures pushing 30 degrees centigrade in Cyprus, the heat is definitely on Brian Kerr, but the Republic of Ireland manager at least has someone fighting his corner.

After just over two and a half years in charge, Kerr’s position is under threat ahead of what is arguably the biggest week of his footballing career.

Nothing less than six points will do from Ireland’s remaining two World Cup Group Four qualifying matches against the Cypriots in Nicosia on Saturday, and then Switzerland next Wednesday at Lansdowne Road.

The suggestion is Kerr will be out of a job if the Republic fail to at least clinch a play-off place, especially in light of what is perceived as an uneasy relationship with Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney.

Last month’s 1-0 defeat at home to France has placed Kerr in an unenviable position, although in truth it is the four points that have been lost to Israel in this campaign that has led to the pressure mounting.

But Kerr has his allies, one of which is Norwich defender Gary Doherty who insists the 52-year-old should not be sacked, even if Ireland fail to reach next summer’s finals in Germany.

Doherty has played at various under-age levels over the past few years with Kerr at the helm, including when Ireland won the Under-18 European Championships in Cyprus in 1998.

The 25-year-old centre-back, who has occasionally stepped up to the plate as a striker and may yet figure in that role on Saturday with Clinton Morrison suspended, believes Kerr remains the right man for the job.

“We want Brian to stay even if we don’t qualify,” insisted Doherty.

“He’s come in for a lot of stick, particularly following the defeat to France, but we played really well that game, only to be beaten by a wonder goal from Thierry Henry.

“That was a sickener, and that’s what football is like.

“But he’s a great manager who has done a great job. If you look at his record, it’s a good one. He’s certainly not done much wrong.

“He’s also got a lot of happy players. The morale’s good, and don’t forget, it was Brian who managed to persuade Roy [Keane] to return and he has been a great influence on the team.

“His biggest strength is his motivation and the detail he goes into on the opposition. We’ll certainly know everything about the Cypriot team and their game plan come kick-off.

“But it’s testament to Brian and his strength of character that we’ve felt no pressure coming from him.

“You read the papers and you see there might be some pressure, but that hasn’t seeped through to the squad.

“We’re a bubbly lot and there’s a lot of confidence within the team, and fair play to the manager, he hasn’t really put any pressure on us.”

As far as Doherty is concerned, there is a sense of wanting to win these two matches for Kerr, adding: “Obviously, we want to do it for our country.

“But there’s an added incentive for Brian because he is the one who has nurtured us all through, and if we can do it for him then it would be brilliant for us.”

Although the Cypriots have lost to the top four teams in the group in Switzerland, France, Israel and Ireland, there is the sense they have one upset in them.

Doherty is naturally hoping for the sake of everyone concerned with Ireland, it does not come on Saturday, firmly believing they will have too much for Cyprus, even with Morrison and Spurs winger Andy Reid suspended and with Roy Keane injured.

“The talent we have is phenomenal and worth a lot of money, so we have to be confident of getting a result against Cyprus,” asserted Doherty.

“We’ve still a great chance of qualifying, and rest assured we will all be doing our damnedest to make it happen.”

Blackburn midfielder Steven Reid’s twisted ankle sustained in training yesterday forced him onto the sidelines for today’s session at the Tsirion Stadium in Limassol, although he is hopeful of figuring tomorrow.

The 21-man squad were due to return to the ground for a 10am start again tomorrow, but due to the heat have abandoned the idea and instead have opted to limit themselves to the one work-out at the 8pm kick-off time at the match stadium in Nicosia.