Delaney reveals hurt fired up Staunton
Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney has revealed the "hurt" over the past week fired up Steve Staunton.
Under pressure going into last night's Euro 2008 qualifier with the Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road, the Ireland manager's makeshift side delivered a performance of passion and promise.
The difference to the diabolical display that resulted in the 5-2 defeat to Cyprus on Saturday was as marked as chalk and cheese.
In the wake of that, Staunton's future was brought sharply into focus, and there was the suggestion prior to kick-off he might quit if there was a repeat of the nightmare in Nicosia.
Instead, despite being without 14 players, Staunton and his side restored lost pride to enthuse the fans who lifted the rafters off the famous old Dublin venue, producing an atmosphere to remember.
The players responded, and although the Republic were held to a 1-1 draw, the speculation surrounding Staunton has been laid to rest.
Delaney, criticised himself ahead of the game for prevaricating on Staunton's future when pointedly asked, shrugged off the comments - as Staunton was forced to do.
"Of course, you are aware of what has been written, but you have to show inner strength and character," said Delaney.
"One of the things I have always learned in life is that when it comes to failure, it's not about the falling down, it's about the getting back up again.
"You are tested most when you are under pressure, as opposed to when you are not under pressure, so I'm happy for Steve, happy for the players and happy for the backroom staff.
"Everybody is in this together, and everybody has been hurting this week.
"Before I became chief executive, I was supportive of the team. I was there in '88, in '90 '94 and 2002. I've not missed a game when we have qualified for a tournament.
"I've travelled all over, so if losing 5-2 to Cyprus didn't hurt me, then people have to think again. It hurt me, it hurt Steve, it hurt the players, but I'm thrilled because we got the reaction and performance we were looking for.''
As the man who appointed Staunton, Delaney was also believed to be under pressure and with his position on the line.
Delaney, though, concedes his own role comes down to more than the results of the senior international team.
"Every day of my life I feel under pressure because my job is a difficult one in trying to develop football in this country," reflected Delaney.
