Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni has urged his players to believe that they can progress from Group C after Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Croatia at Euro 2012.

Sean St Ledger had drawn the Irish level in Poznan after Mario Mandzukic gave Croatia the lead.

However, Nikica Jelavic put Slaven Bilic's side ahead before Mandzukic scored his second of the match at the start of the second half.

With games against Italy and holders Spain to come, Trapattoni is hoping for some "surprise" results to help his team progress.

"We have to believe," he said. "Every game in this Euro could be a surprise. We have to believe this.

"Spain is another game. We have to think very much. I must take all the players in confidence - if I decide to make changes now, it will not be because of playing bad or not deserving to play."

Ireland take on the reigning World and European champions in Gdansk on Thursday.