Colgan credits Staunton for blooding youngsters

Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has been praised for placing his trust in the country’s latest crop of emerging players during their week in the United States.

Veteran goalkeeper Nick Colgan and Kevin Kilbane were the only two 30-somethings as Staunton handed out 13 debuts during the 1-1 draws with Ecuador and Bolivia in New York and Boston respectively.

It was a situation caused by necessity rather than choice as the Irish were deprived of up to 25 players but with vital Euro 2008 qualifiers coming up in the autumn Barnsley keeper Colgan believes Staunton has executed a masterstroke.

“I think in all of these end of season trips you’re going to get a lot of players very tired after long seasons and cup games and European games so to bring in the young lads and give them an opportunity to stake their claim is essential,” said Colgan, who won his ninth cap against Bolivia yesterday having first been called up for Ireland in 2000 and given his debut two years later.

“To give people international football – and they gave 11 new caps against Ecuador – stands the country in good stead for the future.

“We’ve had loads of friendlies in the past where whatever manager has made one or two changes and that doesn’t really give people opportunities to come through.

“On this trip everybody has been given an opportunity and everybody has done very well.

“You look at it from a defensive point of view with Alan Bennett, who can play anywhere across the back four, and Peter Murphy – everyone’s done really well.

“I think for a group of lads to come in and mix so quickly it’s been a good experiment and I think Stan (Staunton) will definitely have a look at this and say ’You know, there’s one or two there who I’ll definitely have to keep an eye on for the future’.”

Colgan, who made important saves from Bolivian striker Juan Carlos Arce and playmaker Joselito Vaca in the first half before making way for Preston’s Wayne Henderson at half-time, had particular praise for Aston Villa squad man Stephen O’Halloran.

He put in some impressive performances, having started at left-back against Ecuador and then coming on as a centre-back for the second half against Bolivia.

“In the first half in New York he was outstanding, absolutely outstanding,” the former Hibernian goalkeeper said.

“I think he just tired a little bit in the second half but he showed again what a good player he is.”

Colgan, 33, was making his first international appearance since 2004 but hopes he will not have to wait as long for cap number 10.

“It’s three years since my last cap against Nigeria in London so I’m very pleased to get that 45 minutes in,” he added.

“Hopefully Stan was pleased with my contribution during the week, not just from the game. We’ll see what happens in August.”