Hurt drove Staunton, says Delaney

FAI chief executive John Delaney has revealed the “hurt” over the past week fired up Steve Staunton.

Under pressure going into Wednesday night’s Euro 2008 qualifier with the Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road, the Ireland manager’s makeshift side delivered a performance of passion and promise.

The difference to the diabolical display that resulted in the 5-2 defeat to Cyprus on Saturday was as marked as chalk and cheese.