Shay Given believes the Republic need to win their last two games

Brian Kerr's men play Cyprus in Nicosia on Saturday and Switzerland at Lansdowne Road four days later.

"It is a massive week for me. We have two must-win games," said the Newcastle United keeper.

"We really have to get all six points to stand any chance of qualifying for the World Cup."

Even with maximum points, other results and goal difference could work against the Irish, who find themselves with an uphill task following the home defeat to France.

However, assistant manager Chris Hughton sounded a positive note, saying he was confident the Group Four campaigned could be salvaged.

"When the fixtures were announced, going into these last two games of the group - Cyprus away and Switzerland at home - we thought then we would have to get something from both games," said Hughton.

"We felt some of the other big nations would pick up points away in Cyprus, so we felt we would have to get something there as well, and also have to get something from our last game against Switzerland.

"Ideally, it would have been to get something to win the group, but it is a different situation now. Despite that, we are confident going into both games."