Staunton excited by Euro draw

New Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton saw his team draw Germany and the Czech Republic at the Euro 2008 draw and declared: “I can’t wait to get started.”

It will be Staunton’s first major assignment of his managerial career, and despite drawing two of Europe’s heavyweight teams the challenge is one he is determined to embrace.

“It could have been a lot worse. We always knew it would be tough,” said Staunton.

His side also face Wales, Slovakia, Cyprus and San Marino in their seven-strong group.

“Slovakia just missed out on qualifying for the World Cup, and Cyprus have caused us problems recently,” said the 102-cap former Republic defender.

“But, for travelling and everything, it is not a bad draw.”

The Republic, under Brian Kerr, beat Cyprus twice in their qualifying series for the World Cup but had to rely on goalkeeper Shay Given’s heroics to win the away leg.

Yet Staunton, 37, considers his side capable of upsetting either of the two group favourites.

“I do not see any one team running away with it. The Czech Republic, as number one seeds, will be favourites. Germany, like ourselves, have been in transition. Nobody is unbeatable,” he said.

“I can’t wait to get started. There seems to be a trend around Europe at the moment – with me and Jurgen (Klinsmann, Germany’s manager) and (Holland boss) Marco van Basten – of former players being given the chance to manage their national teams.

“Whether it’s right or wrong, no-one knows until the job is along the way.”

Staunton anticipates his main task will be to provide Ireland with more options than they have had during matches.

“We have to learn how to adapt during games and that’s what I’ll be trying to focus the players on,” he added.

“I’ll try things out in friendlies.”

Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann preferred to concentrate on the upcoming World Cup, which his country hosts, but said his team had to prevent the frequent problem of underestimating the opposition in qualifying games.

“It’s a very competitive group and there will be no easy games,” he said.

“Playing in Ireland and Wales will be a great atmosphere. I’m sure Steve will do a good job because these chances only come once in life.

“As history shows, qualification games can be very tough for us. We have to watch that.”