Dunne: We need to believe

12 April 2012

Richard Dunne feels the Republic of Ireland are on the brink of proving they are good enough to qualify for the European Championship finals.

Following a 1-0 defeat to Germany in their opening Group D game, Steve Staunton's side now face Cyprus in Nicosia and the Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday.

Dunne said: "We're not that far away from being a side that can qualify. I don't think as a team we should be dwelling on our previous results. It's about believing in ourselves."

The Republic are already playing catch-up as both Germany and the Czechs have taken six points from their initial two matches.

Ireland, though, have lost their last three, and failed to score in five of the previous seven as they continue the transition from the era of former manager Brian Kerr to that of Staunton.

Ahead of the impending double-header, Staunton has again been hit by several injury withdrawals, notably Shay Given, Stephen Carr, Steven Reid, Graham Kavanagh, with Kevin Doyle looking increasingly likely to join them.

Dunne added: "If we can get a couple of goals, keep a couple of clean sheets, then that belief will be high again.

"If we can get four points from these next two matches then we can still qualify, but in all honesty we need the six."

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