Aussies are an example to us, says St Ledger

Republic of Ireland defender Sean St Ledger thinks Ireland need to look at Australia as an example of how to get to the World Cup.

The Preston defender said: "They have already qualified for the World Cup, it shows you the standard you need to get to. Look at Tim Cahill, they have a great team. You should give credit where it is due, it (Cahill's goal) was a great strike."

After their friendly last night he said that Ireland's players are not up to speed yet.

St Ledger said: "A lot of the boys haven't played a game yet. I think it's tough, playing pre-season games there is nothing like the real thing to get you up to speed."

But he was unfazed by the resultt saying he thought that this was the right time to take a defeat.