MICK McCARTHY has suffered three consecutive defeats as Republic of Ireland manager and run into a storm over errant midfield star Roy Keane. But the message from his illustrious predecessor Jack Charlton is "Keep up the good work."

Charlton, who took Ireland to two World Cups and a European Championship finals during nearly 10 years in charge, said "It is none of my business now and I have no input into what Mick does with the Irish team. But if you want my opinion, he is doing the job exactly right.

"He won't be judged on the results of friendly matches this summer as the Irish are not fickle fans. They will understand his problems, and the only results he will be judged on will be those in the World Cup qualifying programme which starts in August."

Ireland's 1-0 defeat to an injury time goal by fancied Euro `96 contenders Portugal in Dublin followed a pair of 2-0 setbacks against Russia and the Czech Republic which opened former Millwall boss McCarthys international reign.

Now they face equally daunting tasks at home to Croatia on Sunday, away to Holland on Tuesday, then a three match examination by Mexico, Bolivia and the United States in America.

But Charlton said "Mick could also lose all those matches and it won't matter one bit as long as he comes through them with enough good new players to be included in a squad that can qualify for the next World Cup.

"He will know that, and I don't have to tell him as he is his own man. He is having to be Just that in the current situation of blooding a lot of young players as established ones like Roy Keane, Steve Staunton, Phil Babb and Paul McGrath are not there at present.

"I didn't see the Portugal game, but losing 1-0 to a last minute goal does not seem like a bad result against a terrific team that beat us 3-0 six months ago."

Ireland are currently enduring their worst run of results since 1968, with five consecutive defeats the first two under Charlton.

But McCarthy, who gave debuts against Portugal to teenagers David Connolly of Watford, Gareth Farrelly of Aston Villa and young substitutes Keith O'Neill (Norwich), Gary Breen (Birmingham) and Dave Savage (Millwall), said "So what I we get turned over in friendlies?

It will be worth it three or four new players come through by the end of the summer and show they can perform at the top level.

"That is all I am interested in right now. We are learning a new way of playing and are making progress with it. All the lads who played last night deserve a big pat on the back."

The list of absentees for the next two games and the United States trip includes a galaxy of established Irish stars like Babb, Staunton, McGrath, Gary Kelly, Alan Kelly, Jason McAteer, skipper Andy Townsend whose wife is expecting a baby and, of course, Keane.

Some are injured and some have been given special dispensation to stand down after a long, hard season with their clubs. McCarthy admits he would have given Keane the same consideration if the Manchester United midfielder had asked him, face to face, for permission to rest.

Instead, he merely filled to appear in Dublin this week then, after forcing McCarthy to axe him from the trip to the United States, chose to issue an unconvincing statement explaining his absence through his solicitor.

Finally, Keane said today "I still want to do all I can to help Ireland qualify for the next World Cup, and I hope this episode has not soured the relationship between Mick McCarthy and me."