Ireland can cope with injuries - MacDonald

Listen to Cyprus v Rep of Ireland live on RTÉ Radio 1 this Saturday. We will also have a live text matchtracker on RTÉ.ie.

Republic of Ireland assistant-manager Kevin MacDonald insists that Ireland have the strength in depth to qualify for the European Championship finals.

MacDonald will take charge of the Republic for Saturday's Group D tie with Cyprus in Nicosia due to boss Steve Staunton serving a one-match touchline ban.

That was imposed by UEFA after Staunton was dismissed during the 1-0 defeat to Germany in Stuttgart early last month. Under UEFA rules, Staunton will not be allowed any contact with the team or members of his coaching staff from the moment Ireland enter the GSP Stadium.

While Staunton looks on from the stands, Aston Villa reserve-team coach MacDonald will be joined in the dugout by Alan Kelly and Pat Devlin.

MacDonald is without several of Ireland's stars, with Shay Given, Stephen Carr, Steven Reid, Graham Kavanagh, Stephen Elliott and Andy Reid all out, while Kevin Doyle is a serious doubt.

After three straight defeats, Ireland are in desperate need of a shot in the arm to get their campaign up and running.

MacDonald, though, disputes the fact the players he will be in charge of on Saturday are short on confidence. He said: 'From what I've seen, the players enjoy their football and playing for their country, with this group more than anybody because their pride in the Republic of Ireland is second to none.

'Since I've been with them from around March time, I look at them and see a crop of very, very good players. If they can channel their passion, as well as their ability, then things can take off and hopefully it will start on Saturday.

'But the one thing they are not lacking is confidence. These are international footballers so that's not a problem. You cannot tell me that whenever Damien Duff plays, he is lacking in confidence. He is one of the best players I've worked with.

'It's more a case that they just need guidance on technical and tactical things. We've enough talented players who will win more games than they lose.

'There may be a few injured, but in adversity somebody comes out of the pack and shows people how good they really are, and if you get two or three doing that, brilliant.'

MacDonald may need that if Ireland are to avoid a repeat of their shocking performance in Cyprus exactly a year ago in a World Cup qualifier.

On that occasion, an early goal from Sunderland striker Elliott was all that separated the teams, with Ireland's blushes spared due to a brilliant display from Given in keeping the Cypriots at bay.

With a new management and coaching staff in place since then, much more will be expected of Staunton's side than the one then managed by Brian Kerr.

MacDonald feels the result is all that matters as Ireland have to get back to winning ways.

'Everybody said it was not a good performance back then, but they still won,' said MacDonald. 'If we win 1-0 again on Saturday then nobody will really care because we will have started the ball rolling towards hopefully qualifying for the European Championships.'