The Republic have yet to suffer a defeat under Trapattoni

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni believes that his squad is strong enough to cope with the loss of Damien Duff over the next week.

Duff misses Saturday's game against Georgia in Mainz and Wednesday's clash in Montenegro because of a knee injury.

"Damien did not play against Colombia, so Andy Keogh played. Also we have other options," said the Republic of Ireland boss.

"We have good wide players - Aiden McGeady, Stephen Hunt, Keogh and Duff."

Trapattoni added:"In our formation, we can change the players, we can change to what is best for us.

"I started in this job with a particular system and I want to continue."

The Republic launch their campaign against the Georgians at the neutral venue of the Bruchweg Stadium in Mainz because of the ongoing political situation in the former Soviet state.

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Trapattoni's players are aiming to build upon their unbeaten run under him, which has seen them draw with Serbia and Norway and beat Colombia.

However, the Italian knows those results will count for nothing when precious qualifying points are up for grabs.

He said: "We must play like we did against Serbia, Colombia and Norway, we have to have that same mentality.

"But we have to think only about the qualifying. Our aim is South Africa.

"Two years is a long time and we have 10 games to qualify, and we have to think about that.

"In Italy, we say a good start is half the battle."