Robson hopes for swift return

Bobby Robson has still not ruled out a return to the Republic of Ireland fold for next month’s Euro 2008 qualifiers with Cyprus and the Czech Republic.

Robson continues to make good progress following surgery to remove a small brain tumour that recently resulted in minor complications.

If Robson is fit and available, his presence could be crucial with manager Steve Staunton certain to receive at least a one-match ban following his dismissal during Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Germany in Stuttgart.

That would see Staunton sat in the stands, and under UEFA rules, unable to communicate with other team personnel from the moment Ireland enter the stadium.

With the games against Cyprus and the Czechs just over four weeks away on October 7 and 11 respectively, Robson said: “I feel in great form.

“Obviously I need to continue to listen to the doctors, but I’ve been making real progress and spoke with both Stephen and (FAI chief executive) John Delaney today.

“I can’t wait to get back to football with Stephen and the boys as soon as I can.”

Robson feels Staunton “will learn” from the events that unfolded in the Gottlieb-Daimler Stadium, with Staunton to hear of UEFA’s punishment on Friday.

In his first competitive match in charge, Staunton was banished to the stands by referee Luis Medina Cantalejo for kicking a water bottle in frustration at one of the Spaniard’s decisions.

After a warning earlier in the match for his behaviour, Staunton pushed Cantalejo’s patience once too often, resulting in his 75th-minute sending-off.

UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Body will now meet on Friday, with Staunton’s case one of many that will be heard, with a suspension of at least one match the likely outcome.

Robson added: “The sending off was one of those things which can happen in a football game and Stephen will learn from it.”

Staunton at least has the opportunity to defend himself as he can explain his actions by way of letter, and that will be presented to the 10-man body.

There are generally 11 members who sit in judgment, but Delaney has to step down while the case is heard to avoid a conflict of interests.

A UEFA spokesperson said: “A manager’s dismissal is treated the same way as that of a player.

“In this instance, a one-match suspension would be the likely punishment imposed.

“However, that can be increased depending on the incident, and the relevant comments in the referee’s report.”

UEFA are unlikely to make any announcement of the sanction until early next week as Staunton first has to be informed.

However, given Delaney’s role within the body, Staunton is certain to be told of his fate relatively swiftly.

With or without Staunton in the dug-out, the pressure will be on to get Ireland’s Group D campaign off and running with a result in Cyprus.

Former England manager Robson feels there are positives from the game with Germany on which to build ahead of the clash in Nicosia.

“I thought the fixture was the biggest of the weekend and it could easily have been the result of the weekend,” remarked Robson.

“The energy and effort were good and we tried to keep the tempo up – we caused them a few problems.

“Organisationally, I thought we set out a good stall and had a good shape.

“The Germans were very good technically, but I thought Stephen had our lads up for the occasion and the players responded positively.

“We should be proud of the performance.”