Dunne calls for an end to all distractions

Last updated : 11 October 2005 By Gerry Ormonde
Dunne calling for support
Dunne insisted that all the furore surrounding manager Brian Kerr’s future has been “annoying” for the players and he hoped that the negativity of the last week would be put to one side as Ireland look to beat Switzerland.

"The situation with Brian has been annoying because we feel everything is being focused on the manager's contract, and who is going to be the next manager," he said.

"We feel as a group, with the importance of these two games, we are not getting much support. Everything seems to be negative. Yet in the camp everyone is fine. We all know what our job is, and the confidence is there and we are all really up for.

"This is a big week for us. We want the crowd and media on our side. The more people we get behind us, the better. We all want to go to the World Cup, primarily for ourselves, but it would be nice if we had everyone behind us because that makes things easier and everyone can enjoy it a bit more.

" At the end of the day it's our ambition and our will that is going to do it, more than the press or supporters. But if there are any side issues, they should be put to one side because there's still a World Cup place at stake and it's what everybody should be concentrating on," the Irish defender added.

"If the FAI are going to give Brian a new contract, or whatever, they are not going to do it before Wednesday. So everyone should just get behind us and let that issue sort itself out later. As long as we are all gunning for the same result now, that's the main thing."