Big Jack backs Stan to do well

Former Irish boss Jack Charlton, who took the national team to Euro ‘88 and to successive World Cups in the ‘90s, has given Steve Staunton his full backing and blessing as new Irish team manager.

Staunton (36) who is Ireland’s most capped player with 102 international appearances and is currently player-coach at the Paul Merson-managed Walsall, will be unveiled as Brian Kerr’s successor by the FAI later in the week.