Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan insists he is unfazed by the barrage of criticism that has pursued him since the World Cup.

Fresh calls for O'Sullivan's head followed Ireland's lifeless 16-12 Six Nations defeat by Wales and his dismissal may materialise if England prevail on Saturday.

But O'Sullivan (pictured) accepts the criticism comes with the territory as the Irish seek to triumph at Twickenham and avoid their worst championship since 1999.

"Criticism is criticism. There's a lot of opinion out there - people have to write stuff and others have plenty to say," he said.

"Some of the opinion is right - the criticism is fair - but some of it is wrong and ill-informed.

"Not everything that is written about me or the Irish team is accurate, fair and true.

"As a coach if you get hung up on what is being written then you'll have a miserable life.

"I have to say the media side of the job is not my favourite part, but it is part of the job. The spin off is you get criticised, but you can't get hung up on that.

"You can't spend your life worrying about what people are thinking or saying about you, it wouldn't be a very nice way to live.

"I can't live like that and everyone in my position sees it the same way."

Since the setback against Wales there has been little refuge for O'Sullivan, who has handled the pressure of the last seven months well but look tired at Tuesday's team announcement.

The 49-year-old, appointed boss in 2001, was forced to reject claims the team have grown stale due to the length of his reign.

Ireland have slumped to their lowest position - eighth - in the world rankings since their inception in 2003, but O'Sullivan is adamant he retains the players' confidence.

"The team has changed so I'm probably the only constant here over the last six or seven years," he said.

"So the question is can I keep the team working and fresh? That's the challenge facing me and there are varying opinions on.

"My position is absolutely, I'm very happy to do the job and I believe I can.

"The situation is as long as I'm doing the job and comfortable to do it, then I'm happy to carry on.

"The players are happy and that's the key issue because that means we can progress and continue."

Ireland will be given a medical update on Geordan Murphy on Wednesday afternoon and are ready to give him until Thursday to prove his fitness.

Murphy was named at full-back but the Leicester star is still being dogged by the Achilles problem which forced him to miss out against Wales.

His return was the only change to the side that struggled against Warren Gatland's Grand Slam chasers, effectively replacing hamstring tear victim Brian O'Driscoll.

Ronan O'Gara will lead Ireland for the first time in O'Driscoll's absence.

SportingLife / Eurosport