Cyprus 0-1 Rep of Ireland

"We came to get the three points and we got them," said Kerr, who could lose his job if the Republic don't qualify.

"We didn't have a good rhythm in the first half.

"There were times when positionally we were quite poor at the back and our workrate was not good enough in the wide positions."

He added: "We will need to play a lot better on Wednesday against Switzerland to have a chance of qualifying."

Kerr denied that speculation over his future had affected preparations for Saturday's game.

"It didn't. We prepared well for today but we didn't play as well as we could or we should."

The Republic manager felt that the Cypriots had raised their game in response to the large Irish support in the stadium.

We didn't play well but we dug deep Shay Given

"We made a change at half-time which I thought was quite effective. Matt Holland had quite a good second half," said Kerr.

"We were a lot better after half-time and I felt they didn't trouble us that much in the second half."

Kerr also voiced his disappointment that Robbie Keane missed late chances to ease Irish nerves.

Newcastle keeper Shay Given was the hero for the Republic with a world-class display which included a superb penalty save from Okkas in the first half.

"I watched some videos before the game but the guy who was supposed to take the penalties didn't take this one," said Given.

"I picked the right way and I was lucky enough to get a strong hand on it and turn the ball round the post - I suppose it was a very important save.

"We didn't play well but we dug deep, put in some great blocks and there were some saves from myself.

"The most important thing is that we got three points and we are still in with a chance of making the World Cup."