Ireland retirement extends Staunton's career

Steve Staunton has admitted that his decision to quit international football with the Republic of Ireland is enabling him to extend his career with Aston Villa.

Staunton played his last game for his country in the 2002 World Cup finals after winning a record-breaking 102 caps – and eight months later he has no regrets.

He believed the breaks during international weeks and this summer would be beneficial and he has already earned a new one-year contract with Villa which will take him up to the age of 35.

Staunton said: “I enjoyed every minute of playing for Ireland and it was a great honour to win over 100 caps. But I always had it in the back of my mind that I would retire after last summer’s World Cup.

“If I had carried on for the European Championship qualifiers, it would have meant travelling all over the place for another two years and I didn’t want that.

“I made the right decision. There are enough players coming through for Ireland in my position and standing down has benefited me.

“It was the right time for me and I don’t regret it but then I’ve never regretted anything I’ve done in my career.

“I’ve been able to spend more time with my family and I think the breaks have also helped in enabling me to maintain a decent standard with Villa.

“I should also benefit from a break in the summer rather than being involved in the Euro 2004 qualifiers.”

Staunton has just recovered from a double hernia operation and is expected to have more surgery in the near future to clear up an ankle problem.

Villa manager Graham Taylor said: “Steve recovered from the double hernia problem very quickly but we’re still mindful of the fact he needs an ankle operation as well.

“The plan is to give him plenty of time to recover. That means he will undergo the operation before the end of the season – but in the meantime he is available for selection.”