Stan’s men still in with a chance

By Aidan Begley

Considering the poor start that Ireland had to their Euro 2008 qualifying games (defeat to Germany and then a humiliation in Cyprus) the fact that Ireland are currently sitting in third place in their qualifying group and are genuinely still in with a chance of qualification is nothing short of a minor miracle.
Ireland are unbeaten in their last five competitive games, including winning four wins in a row – one could argue that if Ireland had kept their concentration against the Czech’s then they could be in an even better position.
The last time that Ireland achieved a similar run of results was in 1990 and 2002, which resulted in Jack Charlton and Mick McCarthy’s men qualifying for the World Cups in Italy and Japan/South Korea respectively.
The change in fortunes have come after consecutive 1-0 victories over Wales and Slovakia at Croke Park in the first football games to be held at the North Dublin venue in March, which means that Staunton’s men have now picked up 13 points in their last five games – almost inconceivable after the debacle against the Cypriots last October.
Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland got the only goal of the game as Ireland held on for victory over Wales, and Reading forward Kevin Doyle was on the scoresheet as the boys in green ground out a victory against Slovakia in the Euro 2008 qualifying double-header at Croke Park played out in front of sell-out crowds.
These victories leave Ireland third in the group with 13 points, level with the Czech Republic, but the Czech’s are in second spot have a game in hand on the Irish. Germany top the group, also with 13 points, but with a far superior goal difference and have two games in hand over Ireland.
Speaking after the victories, Ireland Manager Steve Staunton praised his teams’ efforts – including winger Damien Duff – in getting maximum points from the two games, which the Dundalk man said was the main priority from the back-to-back games.
“We needed to make sure that we beat Wales and Slovakia, which we did, and save for one or two scares we weren’t really worked that much over the two games. Wales came at us in the second half of their game and Slovakia had one or two chances, but nothing to write home about. There was a lot of pressure on the lads but they handled it well.
“The back five have kept three or four clean sheets now which is excellent defensively. We did better with the ball as well. The lads played with a lot of pride and passion in both games and against Slovakia they shifted the ball quickly like we know they can.
“Regarding Duff, he's only coming back really the last few weeks after injury. We know what Damien can do and he did it. He has worked his socks off for me ever since I got the job and he showed tonight why Newcastle United rated him so much, paying what they did for him.”
Staunton said that he is now looking forward to the games Ireland play in the United States in May, where they will play Ecuador on Wednesday, May 23 in New York and Bolivia on Saturday, May 26 in Boston.
These games will give him the opportunity to blood some new talent and integrate them into the senior international set-up, whilst getting ready for Ireland’s next qualifying games in September, away trips to Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
“I intend to bring the strongest available squad to America but I will use the opportunity to blood some of our younger players. In the seven games we have played in the Euro 2008 campaign we have given competitive debuts to 12 players and it is my intention that by the time the World Cup qualifying campaign kicks off we will have a stronger squad with plenty of competition for places.
“We’re now back in the mix after picking up 13 points from the last five games and several of the players we have brought into the squad over the past year have played major roles in that achievement,” he added.
“We are making progress and I am glad we were able to give our magnificent fans plenty to cheer about at Croke Park. Once again, when the team needed them, they rose to the challenge. I said from the start I wanted to turn Croke Park into a fortress and together the team and the fans are starting to do that,” said Staunton.
“I would like to thank the GAA and the Croke Park Management for all their help and assistance in making our visit such a tremendous success, the grounds staff were particularly helpful and worked extremely hard over to get the pitch in order after the rugby games, everybody did a great job”
“The players are really looking forward to the trip to America and getting the opportunity to play in front of the Irish fans based over there. The trip will give myself and the coaching staff an opportunity to spend another ten days working with the players, as well as playing two games, and that can only help to strengthen the excellent spirit that currently exists within the squad.”
Staunton’s International Cons-ultant, Sir Bobby Robson, defended the team and Manager Steve Staunton, saying that international management isn’t a ‘walk in the park’ and points to the pressure that current England boss, Steve McClaren finds himself under.
“A huge number of players have stopped playing for Ireland over the past few years, and Steve finds himself in a position of scouting around for new talent to play in the green jersey, and I think he’s doing a fantastic job.
“The likes of Kevin Doyle and Shane Long have come in and really shown that they can make an impact at this level. Stephen Ireland, Paul McShane – they’re all young and eager to play and to learn. There’s a nucleus of players here that could be together for at least the next five to ten years.
“I think that Stan is doing a great job, considering he is a novice at all this. Look at Steve McClaren with England, he’s got everybody criticising him. He’s been involved with Manchester United, Middlesbrough and England, and he shows that sometimes you don’t get it right. International management isn’t a walk in the park by any stretch of the imagination.
“Ireland have won the last four games in a row which is fantastic. There’s now a break before we start the competitive games again in September, so we need to make sure we keep improving as a team and are ready for those vital games because, let’s not forget, we’re still in with a chance of qualifying.”
For coverage of Ireland’s tour to the USA in May, pick up a copy of The Harp for all the latest news and reaction.