Duff shrugs off criticism

Damien Duff has insisted the negativity surrounding the Republic of Ireland at present “is water off a duck’s back”.

Inevitably, the gloom that has dogged Steve Staunton’s reign intensified in the wake of yesterday’s 32-second pitchside media briefing.

The adverse reaction that followed such a dismissive tactic was entirely predictable, but what transpired today was anything but.

Generally, the captain or vice-captain joins Staunton for the eve-of-match press conference, but on this occasion he was flanked by four senior players - almost akin to bodyguards.

Joined by Shay Given, who will captain the side in the absence of the suspended Robbie Keane, Duff, Richard Dunne and Kevin Kilbane, it was a top table that represented a show of strength and unity.

Staunton was asked whether that was the case, but he swatted away the question by stating: “The boys are coming out, we’re here for questions. That’s it.

Instead, it was Newcastle winger Duff who offered an insight into the mood of the camp ahead of tomorrow’s European Championship qualifier with Slovakia at Croke Park.

Falling short of claiming there was a siege mentality, it is clear the Ireland players are not letting the criticism affect them.

“The mood is very positive. We’re all buzzing,” stated Duff.

“It’s everything outside that’s been negative, but we can’t wait for kick-off tomorrow and hopefully we’ll get three points.”

When asked if he had been affected by the negativity, Duff replied: “Not really.

“It’s been around for a while. It’s water off a duck’s back now. We’re just looking forward to tomorrow.”

Duff did at least concede Ireland will have to raise their game against the Slovaks after limp – if victorious – displays against San Marino last month and Wales on Saturday.

“They’re obviously a better team, better players and are an awful lot stronger,” said Duff of a Slovakian side 14 places above the Republic in the FIFA world rankings – 37 to 51.

“I don’t think we played badly overall [against Wales]. We had a positive first half and could have been two, maybe three up.

“But we sat back in the second half and were very sloppy.”

Exonerating Staunton of any blame for that, Duff added: “That was nothing to do with Stan, it was about the players on the pitch.

“If we can’t pass the ball 10 yards at times, that’s nothing to do with the manager, that’s us being sloppy.

“So we’ll have to put in a better performance and hopefully get the three points.”

The Republic could do with a more raucous crowd behind them too, because Staunton did at least acknowledge his dissatisfaction with those who jeered his players on Sunday.

Prior to Dublin-hero Bernard Dunne’s successful defence of his European super-bantamweight title at the city’s Point Depot, there was the usual round of celebrity presenting.

A few of the rugby players in attendance were cheered, while a mixed reaction followed for Staunton’s boys, one he feels will act as a spur.

“Boxing’s a totally different game, a different crowd,” remarked the Republic boss.

“People have their opinions, a few jars in them, nothing we can do about that.

“But it will make our lads more determined and bring them closer together, so I suppose they [those who booed] are doing a good job that way.”

Like beleaguered England manager Steve McClaren, Staunton is being put through the wringer, although it is not something he claims he was unprepared for.

“I’ve been involved in international football for the last 15 to 16 years,” he said.

“I know what my previous managers went through. I know what it’s all about.

“It has got bigger from your [the media] point of view.

“When Jack Charlton took over, there was four or five journalists and maybe one TV crew, and now look at this today [nodding to at least 40 press personnel].

“We’ll be selling tickets next month!”

In attempting to stay on the front foot, Staunton also named his team, adopting a positive approach following the more defensive-minded attitude against Wales.

Aiden McGeady and Duff will operate on the flanks, with Stephen Ireland appearing to play in behind striker Kevin Doyle in a 4-4-1-1 line-up.