Pressure eases on Staunton

Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton was able to breathe a sigh of relief last night at the end of what he described as “a long, hard week”.

With speculation rife with regard to Staunton’s future following Saturday’s humiliating 5-2 defeat in Cyprus, his players produced a performance that will almost certainly keep him in the job.

While a point is creditable to finally get Ireland’s Euro 2008 qualifying campaign up and running, a rousing display should have been rewarded with all three. When Kevin Kilbane scored only his sixth goal in 74 appearances just after the hour, that should have been the cue for victory.

However, Irish euphoria lasted just two minutes as giant striker Jan Koller stroked home the equaliser to silence the majority of a 36,000-strong Lansdowne Road crowd.

At least the result ended a run of four straight defeats, and for now Staunton remains at the helm for next month’s clash with San Marino in Dublin.

“It’s been a long, hard week, but it’s gone now,” said Staunton.

“We’re over this hurdle and we’ll be a lot stronger for it. I’m going to be here next month, in February, in March, the next year and the year after, because I believe in the squad we have.”

That squad was tested to its limit with 14 players out, which meant a debut for West Brom centre-back Paul McShane who produced a man-of-the-match display.

Goalkeeper Wayne Henderson, full-back Stephen Kelly and midfielder Jonathan Douglas all stepped into the breach and held their nerve, while Lee Carsley ended two and a half years in international retirement.

“I can’t fault anybody. I’m delighted with everyone,” said a happier Staunton.

“They did everything but win the game. On chances and all-round play we deserved the three points.”

The 90 minutes was in complete contrast to the game in Nicosia, with Staunton asked for an explanation as to how a few days could make such a difference.

“The back four didn’t make mistakes,” remarked Staunton.

“Defensively we had to improve. There were individual errors and collectively as a back four it wasn’t good enough.

“They knew they had to put in a performance for the supporters and they were absolutely magnificent, as I knew they would be.

“The players produced what I know they can produce and let us not forgot just how many players were out.”

With home and away games to come against San Marino, and then a double-header to follow against Wales and Slovakia when Ireland move to Croke Park, there is faint hope.

However, they are nine points adrift of the Czechs who lead Group D, having played a game less, and eight behind Germany.

“There’s a long way to go in this group but we now know what we can do and I’m not going to give up the ghost on this,” added Staunton.

“We know it’s going to be very tough but we will give it our best shot.”

It could have been a different story if captain Robbie Keane had netted a far-post cross from Damien Duff in the 88th minute, only to miss a simple header.

After scoring late winners in the two previous victories over the Czech Republic, the script was written, but Keane fluffed his lines.

“He could have sealed it with a great goal at the end but he just took his eye off the ball,” added Staunton.

“But overall he worked his socks off and led by example.”