Staunton vows to fight on

Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton is adamant he will not walk away from the job following one of the most humiliating nights in his country's history.

Ireland were embarrassed 5-2 by Cyprus at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia to shatter their hopes of qualification for the Euro 2008 finals. Staunton, who has been in the job for just 10 months, appeared shell-shocked at the post-match media conference, but did not pull any punches.

"I'm not walking away," said a defiant Staunton when asked whether he felt the result had made his position untenable. "This job is certainly not beyond me, and I have full faith in myself and in the younger players."

He added: "Defensively, that's the worst performance I have seen by an Ireland side."

The latter comment is some statement from a man who remains his country's caps record-holder with 102, and was renowned as a defensive rock during his playing career.

"Of course, I'm embarrassed," added Staunton. "I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I'm not afraid to say that, while the lads are also embarrassed. We are not hiding behind that fact.

"We had an experienced side out there if you look at the number of caps between them, but sometimes there's nothing you can do about it. We worked on things in a professional manner throughout the week, but it just didn't happen on the night.

"The players themselves are left wondering just why it was so bad."

Following the game a number of supporters were calling for Staunton to quit.

But he responded: "The fans are always going to question you after a defeat like that. They just paid good money and I, like them, expect a lot more. We now have to pick ourselves up for the game with the Czech Republic on Wednesday and get it right."