John Toshack has told his Wales stars he expects to see a reaction from them after the shambles of Cyprus, in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.

The Wales chief was unrepentant after his savage attack on his squad following the defeat in Cyprus last month, when he was critical of their commitment and pampered lifestyle.

And Toshack defended the right of Wales fans to be able to vent their feelings on their team if they see fit.

Following the Cyprus debacle, Wales won scrappily 2-1 in San Marino and were subjected to considerable abuse from their own fans.

Now they must face Don Given's Republic of Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday before travelling to Germany next Wednesday where they complete a roller-coaster qualifying group.

They could still finish third, and Toshack reveals his feelings by saying: "The last trip wasn't the best in Wales history, and I could be responsible for some of that with what I said.

"I felt the door had opened for us before Cyprus, we had won three away from home on the run and I could see us getting third spot. And with all the problems we have had, being beaten in the table by only Germany and the Czechs would have been a great achievement.

"That is why the defeat in Cyprus disappointed me something terrible. We still have that opportunity if we win by two goals against the Republic of Ireland. We just have to do that to finish above the Irish.

"That is what I expect my team to go out and do. We can finish third or sixth, that is how thin the dividing line is. I have been taught always to be ambitious, if you are not disappointed when you do not achieve something, it is time to finish."

And on the reaction of the fans in San Marino, Toshack said: "Fans pay their money and are entitled to their say.

"I would never criticise fans for venting their feelings, sometimes they go over the top but that is the nature of things. Maybe these fans may have had a tipple too many, but it's their hard earned money."