New faces, old problems for Stan

STEVE STAUNTON flies out to the United States this afternoon at the helm of what is increasingly resembling a ‘B’ international squad for next week’s friendly games against Ecuador and Boston.

Already decimated by injuries and withdrawals for personal reasons, Staunton was still having to reshuffle his troops almost as the plane was preparing for take-off.

“It’s such a big issue, like it was six or eight months ago,” the manager reflected after a training session featuring a host of unfamiliar faces in Malahide yesterday. “It’s very difficult at this time of year with a lot of players away but we’ve tried to call in one or two over the last 24 hours and may still bring in another before we leave.”

Wolves midfielder and Irish U19 international Stephen Gleeson is the latest addition to the squad but even as one player came in another was on the verge of dropping out with Preston’s Sean St Ledger now doubtful after picking up a knock in training.

“We’ve got to get on with what we’ve got but the objectives of the tour still stay the same,” said the Irish manager. “From the younger lads’ point of view, it’s a great opportunity for them and we’ll all be looking to be doing our best.”

A fresh boost for Staunton is that Anthony Stokes will be with the senior squad when they fly out of Dublin today. Following the 0-1 defeat by Germany for the U-19s on Wednesday night, Stoke skipped training yesterday in preference for what Staunton described as “a cool down in the sea.” His promotion to the senior panel – with whom he has already earned one cap, against San Marino – means that the Sunderland striker won’t be available to Sean McCaffrey for the U-19s’ final European Championship qualifier against Hungary tomorrow.

And following their defeat to West Brom in the Championship play-off semi-final, Andy Keogh and Darren Potter of Wolves were also set to link up with the Irish squad last night.

Staunton confirmed yesterday that Joe Gamble will play for Cork City against Bohemians tonight before flying out to join the squad at their New Jersey base the following day. Having earlier said that he didn’t want to call up League of Ireland players in the midst of the season, Staunton conceded yesterday that his hand had been forced by the injury issues.

“Cork City were very good about it,” said Staunton. “Obviously, Damien (Richardson) wanted him to play against Bohs and that wasn’t a problem. We don’t play until Wednesday so that wasn’t a big deal.”

Overall, the manager, as he had to be, was in philosophical mood.

“Obviously, I’d like to have taken a stronger panel but it wasn’t meant to be. I’m delighted for those who will have an opportunity to play now but it’s testing times again. At the moment, we’ve got a few strikers in there so we’re okay in that department. At the back, hopefully Josh (John O’Shea) will come through the FA Cup final and then we’ll be okay.”

Asked if he was concerned that a defeat in either or both games would set back the momentum generated over the last few Euro qualifiers, Staunton replied: “Not at all. We’ll come back fresh and ready for the new season in August. It would be nice to keep the momentum going but, regardless of what happens, I think you’ll see spirited performances from the younger lads in what will be two tough games.”