Giovanni Trapattoni is not happy as he surveys the Thomond Park game

Giovanni Trapattoni insisted that Republic of Ireland morale would not be damaged by Wednesday's 3-0 friendly defeat by Australia at Thomond Park.

Trapattoni said that next month's vital World Cup qualifier in Cyprus would be "a different game".

"We had many players tonight who have played very little football this season," said the Republic manager.

"That was very clear in the first half. Their physical condition will a different situation in Cyprus."

Trapattoni added:"The match tonight was about checking their physical condition.

"They (Australia) were stronger than us and they deserved to win after their first-half performance.

"But before their first goal, Robbie Keane had a big opportunity to score. That could have changed the result."

Trapattoni preferred Manchester United youngster Darron Gibson in central midfield to Keith Andrews in Wednesday's game - although the Blackburn man was introduced in the second half.

"I knew what my strongest team was before tonight's game but I needed to try other players and different options," added Trapattoni.

"I told the players that we are a little bit disappointed but we have 20 days before the Cyprus game."

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