04/10/01: Mick McCarthy continued to drip-feed journalists this afternoon. Having revealed yesterday that Shay Given and Niall Quinn would start against Cyprus this Saturday, he today disclosed that Steve Staunton would also figure in the first 11.
"Stan will start" he said, "and that's on merit, he's played brilliantly for us recently".
McCarthy didn't specify in which position Staunton would be deployed, but given that the manager has ruled out "making changes just for the sake of it", it seems unlikely he will drop Ian Harte from the left-back berth. And with Kenny Cunningham on a yellow card, the most probable line-up is Staunton and Gary Breen at centre-back.
That, of course, depends on whether Breen is fit in time. The Coventry captain played only a minor role in this morning's training session but McCarthy said he expected Breen's hamstring problems to have relented by Saturday.
McCarthy also hinted that, with Robbie Keane also on a yellow card, David Connolly may be the one to partner Quinn up front. The twenty-four-year-old has hit six goals in 11 league games for Wimbledon this season, and McCarthy reckons moving back to England from Holland has done Connolly a power of good.
"I've watched him twice this season and had him watched again last week when he scored two goals (in a 4-0 win over Manchester City)," said McCarthy, "he's been excellent so far this season. He's obviously benefiting from getting regular football - I know it's in Division 1 but that's still a good standard."
"He's never lacked enthusiasm and he's always given of his best when he's been with us. But I think now he's found an extra little per cent somewhere, no doubt because he's feeling more appreciated, he's getting more of a mention in the papers, and I and others are watching him more often. All that must give him extra encouragement."
Though he refused to name the rest of his team - he will do so tomorrow - McCarthy did take a moment to hail the role of the Irish fans in the campaign so far.
"One of the best feelings ever was when we walked out at Lansdowne Road against Holland. The atmosphere was incredible. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I had a lump in my throat. That atmosphere, and the one against Portugal away, really help drive on the team and really convey the will to win."
"And the best thing about the Holland match" he continued as a mischevious smile spread across his face, "was that there was no Mexican wave - I hate that thing because it normally means the game is bobbins! The football can't be very interesting if everyone starts jumping up to look at the people on the other side of the ground!"
Saturday's match is a sell-out. Let's hope Irish fans will have reason to cheer. Rather than do the Mexican wave.