Republic of Ireland midfielder Colin Healy has backed Mick McCarthy in the wake of mounting criticism of the national boss.
The defeat by Switzerland leaves he Republic without a point in their Euro 2004 qualifying group. But the 22-year-old Celtic midfielder insists McCarthy will turn things around for the Irish.
Healy told celticfc.net: "There's a lot of pressure on the manager but we have to look forward to the next game.
"I think Mick McCarthy has done a very good job. The team did very well at the World Cup in the summer and even before that to qualify for the finals from a group that included Holland and Portugal was excellent.
"I know we've lost two games but we have to focus on what we can do in the next match."
Healy made his competitive debut against the Swiss but was left disappointed that the side could not take at least a point from the game at Lansdowne Road.
Healy said: "I knew I was starting the game just a couple of hours before kick-off. "I was out on the right side of midfield which was a bit different because I've not really played there before, but to be honest I'm just happy to get a game anywhere.
"It was nice to make my competitive debut, but it was a pity that we lost the game. We were coming back into it after we equalised and then they scored again.
"It is a big disappointment but we just need to look to the next game. It's nice to play and obviously I am trying to get myself into the squad but, as I said, it would been a lot better if we had won the game."
PA