Staunton has no regrets about Carsley snub

Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton has defended his decision not to recall Lee Carsley to the squad despite Saturday’s debacle in Cyprus.

The Everton midfielder had previously indicated to Staunton he wished to return from international retirement, a move made two-and-a-half years ago in order to concentrate on club football and his family.

After initially being overlooked when the squad was announced, the fact he was not recalled when both Steven Reid and Graham Kavanagh withdrew through injury caused a stir.

Close friend and former Everton team-mate Kevin Kilbane felt the inclusion of the 32-year-old would have helped Ireland’s cause.

Kilbane claimed Carsley is authoritative, possesses a fear factor and is professional, with all those qualities lacking in the team at the GSP Stadium.

With Liam Miller also absent with a foot injury sustained during training, Staunton opted for 20-year-old Stephen Ireland in the middle of the park against the Cypriots.

Although Ireland scored the opener, the Republic proceeded to lose the midfield battle, not helped of course by the defensive errors that riddled an abject performance.

When asked whether not recalling Carsley was a mistake, Staunton replied: “No, because we are looking forward.

“If you remember, a lot of you (the media) didn’t have a lot of nice things to say about Lee when he last played for Ireland.”

When informed these were now different circumstances, a defiant Staunton added: “Well, yes, but I decided to go with Ireland and he didn’t let me down.”

Staunton also tried to play down the significance of Shay Given’s absence, with the Newcastle goalkeeper missing his first competitive game for five years.

With Given recovering from surgery last month to repair a perforated bowel, Sheffield United’s Paddy Kenny was given the nod, but he has now conceded nine goals in his last two matches.

Kenny was not helped by his defence, although he did himself no favours in punching thin air in attempting to clear a 16th-minute cross and gifting the Cypriots a 2-1 lead.

At that stage, Given’s calm, commanding presence was needed, but matters went from bad to worse in the second half.

“Shay is a world-class goalkeeper,” added Staunton.

“We all know that. We know what an influence he is on and off the field, so maybe his absence played a part.

“But that still doesn’t excuse some of the defending that went on. It was as if they had never played with each other before.

“Defensively, it was the worst performance I have been associated with in my time with Ireland. It was very poor.

“I was embarrassed. I wear my heart on my sleeve, like everybody. The lads are embarrassed. We’re not hiding that fact.

“We know we should have won the game, but we didn’t.”

When asked whether the defeat hurt more now as a manager than any he suffered in winning a record 102 caps as a player, he replied: “It definitely hurts more at this moment in time.

“But if I was playing I’d be just as hurt. I’m gutted as much as anybody.”

Staunton now faces the almighty task of raising shattered morale for Wednesday’s visit to Lansdowne Road of Group D leaders the Czech Republic, who enjoyed a thumping 7-0 win over San Marino on Saturday.

“We’ll be working harder again. That’s what we’ll have to do,” insisted Staunton, whose side have now suffered four successive defeats.

“We’re at home, and hopefully we’ll put in a similar performance to the one we had in Germany, but with a bit more quality.”