Devlin: Stan still the man

REPUBLIC of Ireland B manager Pat Devlin has paid a glowing tribute to Steve Staunton, describing him as a “fantastic professional” who will learn from his bruising experience as Irish manager and has a “great future” in the game.

Devlin, who was part of Staunton’s backroom team, was speaking as he unveiled his 18-man squad for the B international against Scotland in Airdrie on Tuesday, November 20.

“Let me put it on record that it was an honour and a privilege to work with Steve Staunton,” said Devlin. “Contrary to what other people perceived him to be, he was an excellent person to work with, a thorough professional, a good manager — and getting extremely good — and he was a very good coach as well. And the backroom staff, Kevin (MacDonald) and Alan (Kelly) and Bobby (Robson) all made it a fantastic experience. Steve has a great future in the game and he will benefit from the experience here. I think sometimes people didn’t get to know the real Steve Staunton but he was a fantastic character and a fantastic professional as well.”

Devlin continues as B manager, at least for the this game, after being asked to do so by FAI boss John Delaney on the night that Staunton’s contract as senior manager was terminated. But, before agreeing to the role, Devlin says that he checked with the outgoing gaffer who told him he was delighted for him to stay on. However, Devlin was at pains yesterday to stress that he was not speaking on behalf of Staunton, who has kept his silence since the end of his managerial reign.

Said Devlin: “I’m sure you’re probably disappointed that he hasn’t gone on record to say anything but he’s not the type of person to come out and slag off anybody at all. He had enough slagging from ex-professionals and ex-managers. He probably didn’t deserve it, it was probably over the top and a little unfair, but he’s a thorough professional and a thorough gentleman and he’s just got on with it. Hopefully something comes up for him in the near future because he certainly deserves to stay in the game.”

In the new B squad, the eircom League of Ireland is represented by two Drogheda United players — goalkeeper Dan Connor and defender Graham Gartland — while former domestic stars such as Sean Dillon (Dundee United), Wes Hoolahan (Blackpool) and Roy O’Donovan (Sunderland) are also included. There is also a call-up for Hull City striker Caleb Folan who, while still at Wigan, was named in Steve Staunton’s senior squad but who pulled out through injury and amid questions about his commitment to the Irish cause.

Said Devlin: “We were short of a target man and the thinking behind bringing him in to the senior squad was to get a look at him. That didn’t happen but, for the future, I think it’s well worth having a look at him again. As for his commitment, I think this will be the test now. If he doesn’t want to play, he doesn’t want to play. But I think this is the best way to do it. Reports on him are quite good so I’m happy to go with it. But if we get a negative on it we’ll deal with it then.”

Former Irish international Jeff Kenna will be with Devlin’s assistant for the game in Scotland, with Tony Cousins in as coach and Nicky Colgan as goalkeeping coach.

Meanwhile, as expected, both Steven Reid and Joey O’Brien have been pulled out of the senior squad to play Wales in the European Championship qualifier in Cardiff on Saturday, November 17. Blackburn boss Mark Hughes said that, after just a handful of reserve appearances following his long injury layoff, Reid is not ready, while Bolton’s O’Brien has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Ireland caretaker boss Don Givens has responded by calling up Wolves midfielder Darren Potter. Givens has also called Everton’s Aidan Downes into the U-21 squad for the games against Montenegro away (November 16) and Bulgaria (in Athlone) on November 20.

Republic of Ireland B Squad: Doyle (Birmingham), Connor (Drogheda United), Bruce (Ipswich Town), Gartland (Drogheda), Foley (Wolves), Dillon (Dundee Utd), Goodwin (Scunthorpe), Doyle (Coventry), Tabb (Coventry), Whelan (Sheff Wed), Hoolahan (Blackpool), Bell (Luton Town), Folan (Hull City), O’Donovan (Sunderland), Yeates (Colchester), N Hunt (Dundee United), Walters (Ipswich), Ward (Wolves).