By Andrew McKenzie

Toshack (middle) and Robinson face a crucial qualifier on Saturday

Wales midfielder Carl Robinson has thrown his backing behind under-fire coach John Toshack.

Defeat to the Republic of Ireland would all but end Wales' Euro 2008 hopes and heap further pressure on Toshack.

But Robinson, 30, told BBC Sport: "I have nothing but high praise for him, he's a fantastic coach.

"His knowledge about the game is scary. We only get together three or four times a year but every moment you are with him you are learning."

Interview: Wales boss John Toshack

Wales have made a stuttering start to their Euro 2008 qualification campaign, with defeats to Czech Republic and Slovakia leaving their hopes of finishing in the top two in doubt.

Under Toshack, Wales have won just six games since his appointment in November 2004 and he has also suffered from public criticism of his man-management by senior players like Robbie Savage and Ben Thatcher.

GROUP D TABLE Germany Played 4 Points 10 Czech Rep Pld 4 Pts 10 Rep of Ire Pld 5 Pts 7 Slovakia Pld 4 Pts 6 Cyprus Pld 4 Pts 4 Wales Pld 3 Pts 3 San Marino Pld 4 Pts 0

But Robinson added: "There have been situations with players but you don't know the ins and outs of it - only the individuals concerned do.

"But when he speaks you listen because of the knowledge he has got.

"I've learned so much from him in a short space of time."

On Saturday they will create history when they meet Ireland in the first football match to be staged at Croke Park, but Robinson said there will be no room for sentiment with both sides desperate for victory.

"It's a massive game for us," he said. "We need to win and Ireland are the same. It is going to be a closely fought game but the sort of game you want to play in.

"It is a fantastic stadium, I know the history and that will add a little bit of spice to it.

"There will no doubt be tears shed and things like that, but we need to go there and win the game. We will be fully focused when the whistle goes on trying to get the three points we need to put us back in contention for the group.

"We are going into the game to win. We need two wins from the next two games (they play San Marino on 28 March).

"If we perform to the levels we can we know we can get the three points."

I've trained hard and played four games in 10 days so I'm fully fit and raring to go Carl Robinson

Robinson has been one of the mainstays in the Wales midfield under Toshack, playing every minute of their three European qualifiers so far.

But his decision to move to MLS side Toronto in January initially cast doubts on his international future.

But the former Norwich midfielder says his mind has been put to rest by Toshack and he has no worries over his fitness after double training sessions with Toronto in the Florida heat.

"All through my career I've turned up at every squad get-together and training camp," he added.

"I'm very patriotic. I'm Wales through and through and it's one of the greatest honours but there was a little doubt because I am at the other end of the world, so I sat down with him.

"He was very good. He said as long as I'm playing and in form I will be considered.

"Up until the end of January I'd played 41 games for Wales and Norwich this season.

"It was nice for me to have a two-week break but then I met up in Tampa for pre-season training with Toronto.

"I've trained hard and played four games in 10 days. Playing 90 minutes in the heat is pretty tough so I'm fully fit and raring to go."