Steep learning curve for Staunton

Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton has described the last few days of his fledgling managerial career as “a good test“.

Staunton, who only took charge of Ireland in January, escaped unhurt last night after being approached by a man armed with a gun outside the team hotel in Portmarnock.

After fleeing inside and alerting hotel and FAI security staff, a man in his 30s was later arrested and detained by gardaí at a station in nearby Malahide.

The man, understood to have a history of psychiatric problems, is still being questioned, with gardaí able to hold him in custody for a period of 72 hours.

Despite an extensive search of the area, no weapon has yet been found.

The incident is just the latest in a series of problems to blight Staunton ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Holland at Lansdowne Road.

Damien Duff today became the eighth player to withdraw due to injury, with the Newcastle winger returning to St James’ Park due to what Staunton describes as “tightness in his groin“.

Duff’s exit follows those over the last three days of captain Robbie Keane, vice-captain Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Ian Harte, Alan Lee, Stephen Ireland and Terry Dixon.

To add to Staunton’s woes he is without right-hand man Sir Bobby Robson as the former England manager continues to recover from a health scare that resulted in a two-night stay in hospital earlier this month.

Although refusing to talk about the specifics of what unfolded last night, Staunton commented: “It’s over with. There was no harm done.

“From my point of view, I would like to thank our security team. They were excellent in the job they did, along with the hotel staff and the gardai who responded very quickly.

“I was delighted with all that. Now we’re back to the real issue of why we are all here.

“I’m looking forward to a very exciting game tomorrow with the young squad we have, with an energetic and lively display.”

When asked about the general nature of what has unfolded in recent times, he replied: “It’s a good test isn’t it?

“But that’s what I’m here for, and I’m enjoying it.”

Staunton now has just 18 fit players for the clash with the Dutch in the wake of Duff’s departure.

It means tomorrow’s line-up will be a very experimental one, with Staunton naming Blackburn midielder Steven Reid as stand-in captain.

It is hardly ideal preparation for the opening European Championship qualifying game against Germany on September 2.

With regard to Duff, he confirmed: “Damien’s going back to Newcastle. It’s precautionary.

“It’s not worth taking a chance, he knows that himself, especially with the game against Germany only two weeks away.”

Rising Newcastle star Alan O’Brien also “tweaked his back” according to Staunton in training today.

But the 37-year-old added: “There’s nothing major in it. If there was then we would send him back.”