Staunton puts performance above result
Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton is demanding nothing more than a decent display tonight from his makeshift side.
With the start to the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign just 17 days away, a morale-boosting win over Holland would be the perfect send-off ahead of the September 2 clash with Germany.
But with Staunton’s squad ravaged by injury, and a fledgling group of players set to be thrown in against the sixth-best team in the world, it would be unfair to place too much expectation on the team.
Of the 18 on duty at Lansdowne Road tonight, exactly half have won 10 caps or less each, yet Staunton remains unperturbed at such a lack of experience.
“This is a great opportunity for the younger lads to come in, get a chance and play in a wonderful occasion against one of the best teams in Europe, if not the world,” insisted Staunton.
“With any friendly I would intend to hand out as much experience as possible, albeit at the same time try to get a settled side, but with what’s gone on with the injuries, I can’t do that on this occasion.
“But I’ve still every confidence in the players here. There’s plenty of energy, skill and creativity, so we are quite excited by the whole thing. At least they all know what we are trying to do and they’ve all had a taste of things in training.
“From yesterday’s session they’ve taken on board even more of what we have been attempting to do for the last couple of games against Sweden and Chile.
“The penny is dropping with one or two that this is the way we are wanting to go. They’re accepting it and starting to enjoy it.
“But the lads have to know tonight is not important, other than a good performance, and if it’s anything like the training then we will be okay.”
Following their second-round exit to Portugal at the World Cup, Holland coach Marco van Basten has brought about change of his own making, dropping Ruud van Nistelrooy and Mark van Bommel.
Staunton, however, appreciates the Dutch still represent formidable opposition, even though he only described their performance at the World Cup as “okay”.
“I think they will be very disappointed they didn’t go further, but they’ve still some wonderful players,” added Staunton.
“They’ve changed their personnel, but that always happens after a World Cup. I don’t expect their players to be of a lesser standard compared to what there was before.”
Staunton has appointed Blackburn midfielder Steven Reid as captain in the absence of Robbie Keane and vice-captain Shay Given.
Tottenham striker Keane and Newcastle goalkeeper Given are among eight on the sidelines, with Damien Duff, Richard Dunne, Ian Harte, Alan Lee, Stephen Ireland and Terry Dixon also out.
Despite the possibility of tonight being a one-off landmark in his career, Reid will not simply be out to enjoy the ride.
“Because of the injuries I know I’m holding the fort for Robbie and Shay, but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to,” insisted Reid.
“After a good season last season, I’m going to try and play my usual game. Hopefully I can continue that tonight, but in being given the captaincy, it’s already changed my mindset.
“I’m going to be more demanding of players around me. It’s important I do that, and hopefully it will bring out the best in them and me.
“I’ll be vocal. That has come out in my play more at club level, and I think I’ll do the same now I’m captain of Ireland.”
