Hunt offers no excuse as pressure builds on Staunton

Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Hunt has admitted his team have no excuses for their performance against Cyprus on Wednesday night which is likely to cost boss Steve Staunton his job.

The Reading man made his first competitive start in the dismal 1-1 draw with Cyprus in which Steve Finnan had to strike an injury-time equaliser to ensure the Irish avoided even more embarrassment.

Despite the manager’s insistence that he will battle on, his position looks increasingly untenable with the result ensuring the Republic failed to keep alive their slim hopes of Euro 2008 qualification.

Hunt said: “Under our manager Stephen Staunton we cross the line. He’s the manager – he gives us the tactics and he gives us everything but we were poor.

“I don’t mind admitting that and I’m sure the rest of the boys will also admit that. Cyprus hit us on the break a few times and that shouldn’t have happened. Steve Staunton gave me my first cap but I’ve got to do better.”

Staunton, who made a number of mystifying selection decisions, including moving Joey O’Brien into a wholly unfamiliar midfield role, is currently halfway through a four-year contract.

But if the reaction of the Croke Park supporters at the final whistle is anything to go by, the Football Association of Ireland may be forced into action once this campaign ends after the match in Wales next month.

Staunton will have to hope FAI officials show him as much loyalty as he has shown his mis-firing captain Robbie Keane, whose sum total of success in the Euro qualifiers is a hat-trick at home to San Marino.

Staunton admitted Keane currently “can’t hit a barn door”, but insisted his form at Tottenham – for whom he has found the net six times this season – is proof that he deserves to retain not only his place but his captaincy.

Staunton said: “Robbie has got the full backing and respect of the squad. He’s captain at Spurs so I don’t see [a problem] at all. I think he’s taken on the responsibility and it’s just unfortunate it’s not going for him in a green jersey.

“You can’t question his work rate and what he does for the team. He does an awful lot more – probably too much. But that’s his enthusiasm. It’s just in front of goal where it is not going for him.

“I think when you haven’t got the ball you need one of your strikers coming back and helping out. Every other country has it so I don’t see why we shouldn’t have it. Robbie is the one who takes the responsibility and does it.”

Staunton is still seeking to put some positive spin on the campaign. He will point to emerging youngsters Andy Keogh, Darren Potter and Darron Gibson as proof the Republic have a bright future.

But Staunton’s own future is bleak with another of his players failing to offer any excuse. O’Brien said: “We weren’t good enough tonight. The manager wasn’t best pleased but what he said will stay in the dressing room.”