Kerr stands firm against criticism

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr is refusing to be dictated to by critics of his team’s performances.

Kerr has again found himself the target of dissenters following Saturday’s fortuitous 1-0 win against Cyprus in Nicosia, where a world-class display from goalkeeper Shay Given kept the Republic’s World Cup qualifying hopes alive.

Ahead of their final Group Four game with Switzerland at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday, the situation could not be clearer – win, and a top-two place is secured. Anything else, and the Republic’s World Cup dream is over.

Three points will also seemingly keep Kerr in a job for another month at least as his future remains uncertain, with the Football Association of Ireland refusing to comment on whether the 52-year-old’s contract will be extended.

Their silence is understood to have angered Kerr who, since last month’s home defeat to France, has endured a fractious relationship with the media.

The knives may be out, but Kerr told Independent Network News that speculation about his future is of no concern to him.

“I’m not over-aware of the criticism because I don’t read it, I don’t listen to it, so it doesn’t concern me,” said Kerr.

“Yet some people seem to be concerned by it, the depth of it and the angles of it.

“I just wish the comment could be intelligent, informed, rational. At times I’m not so sure that’s the case in relation to players, the selection of teams, the performances.

“Obviously, I take responsibility for the results, but individual performances I cannot take responsibility for because once the players go out on the pitch, it’s up to them to do the job.

“I will support them and prepare them the best I possibly can, but after that you can’t do a lot about it.

“You can change things, and if I decide to do that, it’s based on the information I have, which I work hard to know and try to be on top of regarding a player’s form and ability to do the job we want him to do.

“So no, the criticism is not something that over concerns me.”

It has been mooted that Kerr should drop Robbie Keane, in light of Stephen Elliott’s match-winning display against Cyprus.

Yet Kerr seems ready to keep faith in the off-form Tottenham striker, adding: “He’s not been playing much for Spurs, which is something we’re not in control of, and it hasn’t helped him.

“He’s had two full games for them, one at Blackburn which I saw, and the other in the League Cup against Grimsby.

“Other than that he’s had a couple for us, with one game under his belt on Saturday, and that may well help him.

“But it has to be remembered he is our all-time leading goalscorer and on Saturday was involved in the winning goal, while he also had a couple of chances, with one cleared off the line.

“He is one of those players who can get you a goal and is crucial to the team.”

However, there were a number of lacklustre performances in Cyprus, and Kerr concedes he will not shy from making tough decisions regarding team selection if they become necessary.

“I am the one, as far as I am concerned, who has the knowledge about this group of players and the opposition we are going to face,” insisted Kerr.

“So it doesn’t bother me who other people think I should play, or shouldn’t play. I know the ability of the players and the potential of many of them, and the experience they’ve had.

“I’ll make the decisions as I see fit.”

Kerr fervently believes there will be no mistakes on Wednesday, and that Ireland will win a place in the play-offs by beating the Swiss.

“We’re in a position where we’re at home, we should have the backing of the crowd, with the support of the fans amazing in the last two games,” maintained Kerr.

“With that type of support we have a chance. We need our people to be partisan in order to achieve the result we all want – or it appears almost everybody wants.

“It’s a fascinating group, it’s a fascinating finish to the group, and I am confident we can do the job on Wednesday.”