Staunton inspired by young Irish players

Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton feels “these are exciting times” as a new crop of youngsters prepare to make their mark on the international stage.

Staunton named seven uncapped, young players in his squad to face San Marino in tomorrow’s European Championship Group D qualifying fixture at the Serravalle Stadium.

One of those in Reading striker Shane Long will make his debut as Royals team-mate Kevin Doyle and Sunderland’s Stephen Elliott are both sidelined through injury.

Long has been overshadowed by Doyle since the duo were signed from Cork City in the summer of 2005, but in the latter’s absence he is now making his mark.

The 19-year-old has scored three goals in his last five games for Steve Coppell’s side, a run which has thrust him into the Ireland set-up as partner to captain Robbie Keane in attack.

“He’s playing in the Premiership, scoring goals and he’s done very well in training this week,” explained Staunton on his decision in selecting Long.

“He’s a strong boy, good in the air, has presence about him and he’s full of confidence which we’ve seen.

“This is his chance and hopefully he’ll take it.”

Keane believes Long is just as good as Doyle, who was named as the eircom/FAI junior player of the year on Sunday because of the impact he made at Reading in 2006.

“Since he’s been at Reading I’ve seen him a few times and he has impressed me as much as Kevin,” said the Tottenham forward.

“He is sharp, runs the channels well and we will complement each other. He has a good future for Ireland.”

Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland wins only his third cap and is another of his country’s rising stars.

“We’ve known from day one about Stephen’s talent,” added Staunton on the 20-year-old.

“We just needed him to have a run of games, and right now he is in a rich vein of form with Manchester City, which is a bonus to us.

“We’ll be looking for him to play his natural game and do what he has been doing for Manchester City, which is controlling matters, dominating and nicking the odd goal.”

The six other fresh faces in Stephen Hunt, Darren Gibson, Stephen Quinn, Anthony Stokes, Andy Keogh and Darren Randolph will have to wait to see if they are on the bench.

As far as Staunton is concerned the future is bright, not least after watching the younger players come close to beating their more experienced counterparts in a 10-a-side game in training.

“I think the younger lads have surprised some of the seniors with their performances and quality in training,” remarked Staunton.

“These are exciting times and we knew this would happen. But make no bones about it, it’s not going to happen overnight.

“They are young lads and it’s going to take another 12 months before we see their true potential coming through on a consistent basis.

“But at least we know the talent is there. We’ve a lot of players around the same age group and playing at the same level, so time will tell.”

With Shay Given also injured, Preston goalkeeper Wayne Henderson wins his fourth cap, although elsewhere it is an experienced line-up.

Staunton’s team is: Henderson, (Steve) Finnan, (Richard) Dunne, (Ian) Harte, (John) O’Shea, (Damien) Duff, (Lee) Carsley, Ireland, (Kevin) Kilbane, Keane, Long.

Staunton is taking no chances despite the fact San Marino have lost all 37 of their previous European Championship matches and conceded 168 goals in the process, including a 5-0 defeat to the Republic last November.

Despite that, Staunton said: “They’re going to be difficult.

“We have to start quick, be patient, use our heads and ability on the ball to break them down because we know what way they’re going to play.

“I hope they come out and play. That will make life easier for Robbie and Shane, but I don’t see it.

“To be fair they do work hard and they will keep going for as long as they can, but we don’t need to give them any encouragement.”