Kavanagh calls for support for Staunton

Wigan midfielder Graham Kavanagh believes Steve Staunton deserves a chance as Republic of Ireland manager before facing any level of criticism.

The general feeling in the Republic is the Football Association of Ireland have made a mistake in turning to untried Staunton as manager.

Staunton’s lack of managerial experience is countered by the fact he has sought out Sir Bobby Robson to work alongside him in an advisory capacity, with the two men to be officially unveiled on Monday.

However, there is a view among the fans that they have been short-changed as they believed the FAI would appoint a big-name manager.

Despite Staunton being seen as a hero as a player, winning a record 102 caps and playing in three World Cups, the supporters were hoping for a manager of repute, rather than a rookie.

Although many former Ireland players have backed Staunton, Kavanagh, as a member of the current playing squad, firmly believes the 36-year-old will prove a success.

Kavanagh told PA Sport: “Whether people like it or lump it, Steve is going to be the new Ireland manager and people should give him all the support they can.

“It’s a brave appointment by the FAI, and I can understand people’s wariness because of his lack of experience, but people have to start somewhere, they have to be given a chance.

“Look at the likes of Mark Hughes, Marco van Basten and Jurgen Klinsmann, players who all had tremendous club and international careers.

“They were given their chance to manage at international level, so Steve should be given his and hopefully he will produce the goods.

“Of course, any new job always brings with it difficulties, which is why any new manager should be given the benefit of the doubt until he settles into the role.

“There are going to be people saying he has not managed anybody, but he has been in football long enough to know the ins and outs of running a team.

“He will have somebody alongside him in Sir Bobby Robson who has a wealth of experience from across Europe having been with clubs such as Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven and Newcastle.

“He also had a good spell with England, so he knows international football better than most people.

“Steve will be able to call on him for advice at any time. It is good to have that kind of experience at hand, so I believe it will be a very good partnership.”

Kavanagh feels Staunton has one edge over older managers having only retired from international football in the summer of 2002.

“He is the most-capped player in Ireland’s history, which is a huge achievement, so he knows international football like the back of his hand and he will know the players inthe squad,” added Kavanagh.

“From his time as a player he will command huge respect, and as he is Irish, he will also know what the Irish fans want.

“From the few times I was with him in squads, I know he is a very likeable fella, someone who is passionate about his football.

“That will come across, and hopefully he will get us where we want to be, which is competing in the major championships.

“I think his appointment is a good one – and I hope it’s good for me because I want to remain part of the squad after being involved in the last few.

“Even if I’m not, I wish him all the best.”

Staunton, who is due to be handed a four-year contract by the FIA, has spent the last few months working as a player-coach at Coca-Cola League One Walsall under Paul Merson.

Merson also feels the appointment of Staunton is “a good choice.”

He added: “There has been talk of getting someone with experience in to help him, and it’s perfect. I hope he succeeds, I really do.

“He deserves it.”

Merson believes the onus will fall on the players to get results, however, he is hoping Staunton is given time to make his mark.

With the retirements of Roy Keane, Kenny Cunningham and Stephen Carr, they have left a void that will initially prove difficult to fill.

“If you put the players on the pitch and they perform, it doesn’t matter if you’ve Freddie Starr helping you,” remarked Merson.

“As soon as they cross the white line and they start playing, then it doesn’t matter.

“Although it will all come down to results, I think Steve will be great. He will get the players playing for him.

“He has retirements to contend with, a lot of good Irish players have retired, so he’s got to bring some youngsters through.

“It’s going to take a while, so hopefully he has got time. Hopefully they will give him the next World Cup, which would be a bonus.”