McDonald ready to stand in for Staunton
Republic of Ireland assistant manager Kevin MacDonald is ready to shout himself hoarse in a bid to get Steve Staunton's Euro 2008 qualifying campaign off and running.
MacDonald takes charge of the team for Saturday's clash against Cyprus in Nicosia due to Staunton serving a one-match touchline ban.
The Ireland manager was handed the suspension by UEFA after being dismissed from the dugout during his side's 1-0 defeat to Germany in Stuttgart early last month.
Under UEFA rules, Staunton will not be allowed any contact with the team or member of his coaching staff from the moment Ireland enter the GSP Stadium.
With Bobby Robson, Ireland's international football consultant and Staunton's right-hand man still recuperating from surgery to remove a small brain tumour, MacDonald will be the man holding the reins.
Aston Villa's reserve team coach will be assisted by Alan Kelly and Pat Devlin against the Cypriots, leaving Staunton to look on from the stands.
MacDonald, though, has no qualms about taking on the role given his coaching experience over the years, spending over a decade with Villa after previously working at Leicester.
"Every time I come away with Ireland it's great for me, and very important, but this time it's different, exciting, and I'm very much looking forward to it,'' said MacDonald.
"Hopefully with people like Alan and Pat alongside me, and with Stan before the game, we will cover all eventualities that may occur.
"Within that, if something happens we haven't foreseen then I will talk things over with Pat and Alan.
"But I'll be kicking every ball exactly the same as I do whenever I'm in charge of any team. I've done it at club level and it will be the same with Ireland.
"When it's in your blood that's the way things work, but this time I'll hopefully be able to stand back and make objective decisions.
"The players haven't said much about the situation, although they have heard me shouting on the training ground even louder.
"With me struggling with a cold at the moment, I think they're hoping I'll lose my voice by the time Saturday night comes along.''
MacDonald added: "I'm sure my experience at Villa will stand me in good stead, and if we get the right result then the right things will have happened.
