Staunton planning to convert a nation

Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton is under no illusions about the size of his task as he heads into the first of two crucial European Championship qualifying clashes against Slovakia in Bratislava tomorrow.

According to Staunton, simply reminding his own players or his army of critics about the Republic’s credentials will not be enough.

He still has a whole nation to convince that his is a team capable of reaching the finals.

The record books are against Staunton’s men. The Republic play this Group D tie at the Slovan Stadium and the Czech Republic in Prague on Wednesday without having won a meaningful away qualifying match for 20 years.

But with four points the absolute minimum requirement for the Republic, who currently lie in third place – four points ahead of Slovakia and one behind the Czechs – Staunton knows something has to change.

He said: “We have to change the mindset of the whole country. We’ve never done well against big teams away from home but, in saying that, we have accepted that draws have been great results.

“They are – but only if you qualify. At the end of the day, I want us to have a winning mentality. I think the lads proved in Denmark that there is a belief within the squad and that will grow with each game and get-together.”

Last month’s stunning 4-0 friendly win in Aarhus certainly came at the right time for the Republic.

It ensured a positive attitude going into a double-header which is almost certain to make or break their hopes of reaching the finals.

“We’re going to do what we’ve been doing for the last 12 to 18 months, and that is go out to win the game,” added Staunton.

“Obviously, the Slovaks know they have to win also, because a draw or a win for us puts them out of it.

“We knew 12 months ago we’d have to come here and win and things haven’t changed. They are a strong, athletic team and we are now going to have to be at our best. Our players are ready for it.”

More than anything, the Republic’s success in Denmark gave Staunton a welcome selection dilemma, with the likes of Aiden McGeady and Andy Reid pressing their claims to become first-choice starters in midfield.

McGeady looks sure to start on the right against Slovakia, but Reid may lose his place to Stephen Ireland in the middle.

Kevin Kilbane and John O’Shea are likely to start at full-back in the absence of Stephen Carr and Steve Finnan.

Slovakia, who are without their key striker Robert Vittek, looked a fast yet physical side at Croke Park and it remains to be seen what effect the dreadful Bratislava weather will have on the proceedings.

Relentless heavy rain over the past two days has left the Slovan pitch a quagmire but that did not worry Staunton, who said: “It’s heavy and it will be very draining and demanding on them. But it’s the same for both sides.

“The beauty of it is I’ve got full confidence in any player I pick to go out and play.

“We’ve got two huge games in a short space of time, and when you see the condition of the pitch you have the option of changing things around.

“It’s always wonderful to play for your country no matter what the conditions are.

“We’re on a run and I’m sure the players want to keep that going as well. I wish I was playing – I couldn’t give a monkey’s what the conditions were.”