Staunton asks for second helping

12 April 2012

Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has asked for "the same again" as he now focuses on another must-win clash with Slovakia on Wednesday.

Stephen Ireland came to Staunton's rescue by scoring another winner to keep the Republic in the hunt for qualification for Euro 2008. The Manchester City midfielder, who scored a last-gasp strike in last month's near-embarrassment with San Marino, produced a rare moment of quality in a poor Group D clash against Wales.

"Delighted to have the three points," was Staunton's assessment. "Now we move on to Wednesday and we know what we have to do, and that's the same again - win again."

He added: "I thought we made them look bad. Our lads got in their faces and stopped them from playing. We knew we had to. If you give (Carl) Robinson time then he's as good as anybody in playing in balls, but we stopped that threat.

"The second half we weren't so good, gave the ball away too much and lost our shape a little. Thankfully we didn't lose our shape at the back. We were comfortable there. We marshalled Craig Bellamy and Ryan Giggs very well all day and they never had a chance.

"But I wasn't happy with our retention of the ball. I thought we were in great positions, but we gave it away too cheaply. The one good thing is we kept a clean sheet."

Ireland, though, is a serious doubt for the match against Slovakia after coming off just before the hour with a thigh injury.

The 20-year-old is fast becoming invaluable, although he was asked to play in an unaccustomed right-wing role which he was far from happy with.

But he is doing the business for Staunton, who added: "I'm always pleased with him. He is an excellent player, and is improving. His composure and vision are excellent, and hopefully he will be fit for Wednesday.

"He is a major asset. Anybody who can score three goals in four internationals is a key player."

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