Staunton backs Ireland to come good

Manager Steve Staunton is backing Ireland’s players to ease the early pressure on his reign.

Staunton came in for some criticism following a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Holland last month.

That was perhaps harsh, bearing in mind Staunton was without the likes of captain Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Shay Given and Richard Dunne.

Former Ireland defender Mark Lawrenson recently commented that the Republic have been punching above their weight for a long time.

He also claimed Staunton’s squad lacks the necessary quality to make an impact at the highest level.

Such comments will be put to the test tonight when Ireland face Germany in the opening Euro 2008 Group D qualifying game.

In many respects, Staunton will have no excuses if Ireland fail to produce at the Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion in Stuttgart as he has his strongest squad available to him.

“I have the backing of the fans,” insisted Staunton. “I understand their frustration after the defeat to Holland, but they are fully aware there were several players missing.

“They now know we’ve a full-strength squad tonight, so we will be getting a different performance.”

Such a comment has placed demands on the players to deliver, but Staunton is adamant they will not let him down.

“We know what the Germans are all about, but it’s up to us to go out and show what we can do, and I firmly believe the best form of defence is attack,” added Staunton.

“I know we are going to be under severe pressure. That’s the way the Germans play, especially in the first 20 minutes. So we’re going to have to be brave, both mentally and physically.

“But I do think we have enough about us to put them under a bit of pressure, push them back and impose ourselves on the game.

“We have players in those sort of areas who can do that, so it’s a battle of wits, and then who knows what can happen. But the lads know what they can do. If the situation arises we’ve the ability to hurt them as well.”

Staunton brushed aside Lawrenson’s comments, saying: “Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion. I'm delighted with the squad of players I’ve got. It’s not as if we can go out and buy anybody, so we'll try to get the young players through as best and as quickly as we can.

“Please God, over the forthcoming years we’ll have a very strong squad, but we are a small nation and we can only do our best.

“We’ve been unlucky in certain qualifications, and it hasn’t been for the want of trying. I guess we’ve probably always punched above our weight over the years, and I’m sure the players will do the same again, and rise to the occasion.

“As for the pressure, of course there’s that, but then that’s what football is all about.”

Ireland have qualified for just one of the last six European Championships since reaching Euro 88, when they famously beat England in Stuttgart.

Failure to reach Euro 2004 and the World Cup this summer adds to the motivation.

“The players are very disappointed, along with every supporter in Ireland and myself,” assessed Staunton.

“We all want our country to do well, so there will be no lack of motivation tonight. The lads are highly motivated, eager and looking forward to the campaign.”

Clinton Morrison is a doubt with a sore back, while fellow striker Kevin Doyle should be available despite suffering tightness in his right leg in training yesterday.