Under-fire Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has brushed aside criticism of his team's shambolic performance in Cyprus, insisting that "in the long run everything will be okay".

Both Staunton and his players have been subject to scathing criticism following Saturday's woeful performance against Cyprus, minnows of world football.

But as the manager faces into what could yet prove a make-or-break showdown with the Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday, he firmly believes his team have learned a harsh lesson and will muster a better performance.

"We're not having the best of luck at the moment," the beleaguered gaffer concedes, "but we have to get ourselves together and regroup. We owe one to the fans who travelled to Cyrpus and all those that support us.

"But I certainly haven't given up. The players are getting blooded a lot quicker than I expected but when you have 10 of your main players out then younger lads have to come in. To be fair to them they've done very well so far.

"I'll take it (criticism) on the chin, there's nothing I can do about it. As I've said before I cant go out and buy players.

"We've got a good squad, there's plenty of lads who could be here but for one reason or another can't be. We have to get on with it and do the best possible. I know in the long run everything will be okay."

Many will deem that an ambitious statement as, in the immediate future anyway, Staunton could well endure another tough night on Wednesday fielding, as it now appears he'll have to, another weakened side.

An irate home support are unlikely to cut the manager too much slack if the performance is not up to scratch and the mood was all too evident at the team hotel today, a small group of fans brandishing 'Staunton Out' banners taking the opportunity to vent their spleens.

Without a number of key personnel prior to the Cyrpus game, Staunton is now sweating on the fitness of three more players although in countering that he does welcome Andy Reid and Alan Quinn back into the fold.

Both goalkeeper Paddy Kenny and midfielder Stephen Ireland failed to train in Malahide today, citing tight hamstrings and the duo will have scans later this evening.

Defender Andy O'Brien, who endured a torrid night in Nicosia, is also doubtful with a swollen ankle after shifting a knock during the game while striker Kevin Doyle has yet to prove his fitness following an ankle injury of his own.

"Paddy and Stephen both woke up this morning feeling a bit of tightness following the journey home and we'll see how they get on in the morning. Initially they didn't feel it but when they turned up this morning they realised something was up. We'll have to see what the report is later tonight."

Doyle failed to train last week as Staunton sought to protect him with Wednesday's game in mind. The Reading man pleased his manager during today's session in Malahide but has still to prove his fitness.

"Kevin did a lot more training today which was great but he's still pretty tender," said Staunton. "But we'll have to wait another day on that one."

Despite the backlash, Staunton is convinced the Irish supporters will get behind his team on Wednesday. He stresses his players can block the weekend disappointment from their minds and restore some pride to the jersey.

"I'll have to wait and see what team I pick, I know the fans will get behind us. The boys are trying their best, you can't legislate for errors and that's one of those things. We'll have to be hard to beat, score a goal and try win the game."

Yesterday's hour long team-meeting in Cyprus was "very fruitful", Staunton says, but he refused to divulge what went on behind closed doors.

"We've been picking the lads up, they're all bright and breezy and looking forward to Wednesday."