Coleman insists the players are to blame for Republic's woes

Coleman hit back at former Ireland teammate Keith Andrews, who called for a change in the hotseat, as Martin O'Neill's side fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to a below- strength Wales team this month.

Working as a TV pundit, former Ireland international Keith Andrews dubbed the team's performance against Wales as "clueless", and called for the management team to be replaced quickly. 

However the Everton and Republic of Ireland captain has thrown his full support behind Martin O'Neill and assistant boss Roy Keane, and insists that they are indeed the right men to lead the team forward, in spite of their current woeful form. 

While speaking to the media, Coleman said: "It always seems to be put on the manager, that's something that really bugs me at club level. I've seen three or four managers go. It always seems to be them that gets the heat and not the players. We need to stand up and be counted. Some of our performances have not been good enough." 

He continued: "We're going through a tough time. Keith has been part of teams himself that could have been questioned at times. It's very easy from a pundit's position. Keith has got a job to do, Keith has really taken to punditry.  He might have been trying to make a name for himself by being a little bit harsh the other night. That's his job, that's his role."

The full back concluded: "When he was a player it was his job to get on the ball and make things happen and at times he didn't do that."