STEVE FINNAN believes it is imperative the Republic of Ireland now look to build up a head of steam going into next year's World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Republic's Euro 2008 dream hangs by a thread ahead of Group D matches at Dublin's Croke Park with leaders Germany tomorrow and Cyprus on Wednesday.
For Ireland to finish as runners-up they must win their final three matches, while in turn hop
ing the Czech Republic fail to muster the three points they require from their closing trio of matches.
Their hopes appear forlorn, yet manager Steve Staunton's side cannot feel sorry for themselves as they crucially have their seeding to consider for the World Cup qualifiers.
If the Republic finish third in their group, and do so with a flourish, that will at least stand them in good stead when the World Cup programme starts next September.
"Until it's mathematically impossible then we will keep trying," said Liverpool right-back Finnan.
"We will try and win these last three matches, but I'm sure the feeling is - and it's only natural - that we can't qualify.
"Our chances of qualifying are slim, so I suppose we will use these last three games more to look forward than anything else.
"From our point of view it's now about getting wins and getting confidence ahead of the next campaign. That's all important."
Staunton is without Wolves striker Stephen Elliott for tomorrow's clash after he was sidelined for up to a fortnight with a hamstring injury.
Doubts, meanwhile, still surround Andy Reid (ankle), John O'Shea (dead leg) and Darren Potter (groin).
