Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr has promised an all or nothing approach in a bid to reach next summer's World Cup finals.
Kerr yesterday named a 24-man squad for the final two Group Four qualifying matches in Cyprus on 8 October and at Lansdowne Road against Switzerland five days later.
Following defeat to France earlier this month, Kerr and his players now find themselves in a must-win situation for both games, knowing they have to pick up six points to clinch at least a play-off place.
Kerr knows Cyprus will prove far more awkward opponents compared to the side beaten 3-0 in the opening game of the campaign a year ago.
He said: "They changed their manager mid-stream, and it looks like they have improved. They gave Switzerland two awkward games, and were probably unfortunate to lose away, so they've a bit going for them as they also won in the Faroes 3-0, while everybody else has only beaten them 2-0."
Kerr added: "Their club teams have improved dramatically in the European rankings, so they are capable and dangerous, but we have to do our stuff because we are capable of winning the match. Every match we've played in the group we've approached it trying to win. We've been very positive."
A shadow could be cast over the double header if Kerr's contract situation is not resolved soon as he remains in the dark over his future.
Kerr made it clear earlier this year he did not want to go into the final group games uncertain of his situation but that is exactly the prospect facing him as the Football Association of Ireland are clearly stonewalling.
When quizzed on the subject, Kerr said: "The chief executive (John Delaney) has said he won't speak about it publicly, and I am endeavouring to find out about it privately."
But Kerr is adamant he remains totally focused on the job in hand and added: "We've two matches left in the group and if we win them it could put us in a good position to either be in the play-offs or to actually win the group, depending on how other results go. That's what I am focused on, and that's what the team and staff are focused on, so it is not a distraction."
When then questioned on whether he would like to continue as Ireland manager, a clearly disgruntled Kerr retorted: "I won't say anything more about it. I've said all I have to say, but the association know my feelings."
Meanwhile, Kerr will watch Kevin Doyle in action for Reading before deciding if he will feature in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Cyprus and Switzerland.
Kerr said: 'I've watched Kevin at various levels, including for the Under-21s, and I've seen him this season for Reading. He has maintained a high level of performance and I am obviously serious about bringing him in."
"We don't have too many centre-forwards in the squad, and as to whether he plays, I will see how he does in the next couple of matches for Reading."
