Republic remain on course - Duff

Damien Duff felt the Republic's 3-0 defeat was a harsh result

Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff has described the 3-0 defeat by Australia as a blip and insists it has no bearing on World Cup prospects.

The Irish, currently a point behind group leaders Italy, face a crucial qualifier in Cyprus on 5 September.

"We know we will be better in a few weeks' time," said the Newcastle man.

"I do not think it was a fair result. We had a few chances ourselves. We are all disappointed but we will kick on and bounce back next month."

With three games to go in Group Eight, Giovanni Trapattoni's side have a real chance to reach South Africa.

Duff feels the Republic will be a different proposition with World Cup points at stake.

"This was a disappointing result which we probably did not deserve, but it is good to get it out of the way and move on," Duff added.

"We will just look at it as a blip in a pre-season friendly more or less. The competitive stuff starts against Cyprus and that is the result we want."