Duff expects Republic to improve

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The scoreline was perhaps harsh on the hosts, who had their chances but lacked a cutting edge to overcome an Australia side who have already booked their tickets to next summer's finals in South Africa.

"It is a disappointing result that we probably didn't deserve, we had a few chances but it's good to get it out of the way and move on," Duff said.

"We'll just look at it as a blip in a pre-season friendly more or less, obviously the competitive stuff starts in three to four weeks (against Cyprus) and that's the result we want."

The Republic sit second in their World Cup qualification group, a point behind Italy albeit having played a game extra.

With three games to go Giovanni Trapattoni's side have a real chance to reach South Africa and Duff said Wednesday's result would not affect their belief they can get the job done.

"We know we'll be better in a few weeks' time when we play Cyprus," said Duff, who was withdrawn at half-time after feeling ill during the day.

"Reflecting on play I don't think it was a fair result, I think we had a few chances ourselves, we're all disappointed but we'll kick on and bounce back next month."

There was further bad news on the injury front with striker Kevin Doyle suffering a groin injury just before he was due to come off at the break.

"It was nice to play 45 minutes, but I think I've done something to my groin," said Doyle. "I'm not sure but hopefully it is nothing too serious, it was the last 30 seconds of the half and I was coming off anyway so I just hope it is nothing too serious."