Lawrenson backs Kerr to stay on

Mark Lawrenson has backed Brian Kerr to stay as Republic of Ireland manager for the next qualifying campaign.

Kerr failed to lead his side to the World Cup following the goalless draw in midweek against Switzerland, with suggestions he could be replaced.

Lawrenson, the former Liverpool and Ireland defender, believes Kerr should be given the opportunity to get the country into the European Championships in 2008.

He said: “I would keep him on. The players aren’t coming through at the moment and we don’t know who else is interested (in Kerr’s job).

“They just haven’t got the players, we can’t buy them either – they are either there or not.”

The next qualifying campaign will also be without Roy Keane and Kenny Cunningham, who both retired after the draw with Switzerland.