Giovanni Trapattoni backed his selection policy again today as he explained last night's defeat to Poland did not concern him. The Italian saw his side beaten 3-2 but for some it was the performance of his midfield that was the biggest concern.

Trapattoni insisted today he was pleased with Darren Gibson and Glenn Whelan, arguing that the younger players have to learn because they are needed when the team is paying a game every three days at the World Cup.

Both "played well", he said, adding that Whelan was "one of the best players on the pitch".

"If we qualify," he said, "we would have a game every three days. Do you know what the tempo of playing games every three days is like? You need young players because the young have more energy. It' not written in the bible but I've learned it from 30 years of experience in football."

Though he admitted there was some sloppy play from his side, he added consistency in team selection, that was not present under previous managers, was essential to a winning formula.

"Sure, we conceded too much space and made mistakes that led to their goals but in football that's not unusual and for me the important thing is that the young players are growing.

"We cannot go back because of one setback. We cannot have one group of players going out and another group coming in."

One of those who emerged with some credit from last night's performance was Hull City striker Caleb Folan, whose first start was encouraging and ended with an assist for Keith Andrews's injury time goal.

Asked what it would mean to him if he could help his Ireland to make it to South Africa, he said: "That would obviously be another dream and another step to aim to get to.

"As long as I keep plugging away and hanging in there, it would be great to be part of that, and that will be the aim.

"The manager has given me that bit of confidence and belief in myself.

"Especially when you are not playing that regularly, it is important you keep your spirits high, and the likes of Giovanni Trapattoni wanting to bring you into the squad, that only gives you an extra lift, and I am grateful for that."