Kerr insists Republic must improve

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr believes his side will have to show a significant improvement if they are to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.

Kerr’s side stumbled to a 1-0 Group Four victory over Cyprus at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia.

The result means the Irish go into Wednesday’s final group game against Switzerland at Lansdowne Road knowing another three points should be good enough to clinch at least a play-off place.

But after Sunderland striker Stephen Elliott scored his first international goal in the sixth minute, Ireland produced arguably their worst half of football in Kerr’s two years and eight months in charge.

The under-pressure Kerr came into the game knowing his side had to claim victory, not least to keep himself in a job.

The same now applies for the clash with the Swiss, but on the evidence of this performance that could be a struggle as the team were lacking in all areas - other than goalkeeper Shay Given.

Given was outstanding in the opening period, making several critical stops, including a 14th-minute penalty save from Ioanis Okkas.

Given watched his team-mates fold under the weight of Cypriot pressure, with Ireland needing a stronger defensive and midfield performance if they are to gain a vital victory over the Swiss.

“We came to win the game, we needed to win th game and that is exactly what we have done,” said a defiant Kerr.

“I’m satisfied with that because this was a game against a Cypriot team who made things very difficult for us. They played well.

“This was about us winning this match, but I know we will have to play much better on Wednesday. It is all to play for now.

“We need to improve all around the pitch – apart from the goalkeeper.

“But we need to defend better, work harder around the middle of the field, particularly in the wide positions, and keep the ball better when it goes up front.”

Kerr introduced Matt Holland into the midfield during the half-time interval, hauling off Steve Finnan, with Damien Duff switching to the vacant role on the right and Kevin Kilbane moving out to the left.

That brought stability, something Kerr can at least build on ahead of Wednesday, although he could be without Duff.

The Chelsea winger hobbled off just after the hour with a twisted knee which now makes him doubtful for Wednesday, with Kerr confirming: “He is quite sore.

“It’s early yet, but he has to be very doubtful at this stage.”

Despite Cyprus’ domination of the opening period, Kerr felt the result was a fair one, although he knows he owes a debt of gratitude to Given.

“To have a good team you have to have a very good goalkeeper and ours was great tonight,” reflected Kerr.

“At least in the second half we were a lot more comfortable and composed, although you are never really comfortable enough until you get a second goal.

“We really should have wrapped it up late on with two clear-cut chances.

“But overall we were the better team, although I concede that in the first we just weren’t good enough.”

Kerr also had a word of praise for 21-year-old matchwinner Elliot, adding: “I’ve said before he can score goals.

“He has done it through all the under-age groups and now he’s getting his chance in the senior team.

“He started this season playing on the right for Sunderland, but I’m glad to see he has been back up front in the last few matches.

“Since then he has looked like the player we know he can be, with his finish tonight a poacher’s goal.

“He has a proven goalscoring record, but he is still young in terms of his international career.”