German reaction: We had to wait our turn for the German version of Bobby Robson (the former England manager also emerged from the dressingroom but was not available for comment) as Olivier Bierhoff facilitated German television, radio and print media before settling in for a few queries in English.

What did Herr Bierhoff expect from an evening in Croke Park? "We knew about Ireland, we knew that they are a better side than Wales and sometimes England, plus our team hadn't played this formation before and some players came in because of injuries.

"We weren't as close to the Irish players as we would have liked to have been. Sometimes we gave them too much space but we knew that they had some good players, and they showed that."

The emphasis quickly switched to Steve Staunton's precarious position. "I think that Ireland did okay so you have to give him some time and another chance for World Cup qualification.

"I don't know all the players but sometimes it is not so easy. He started with some difficulties but in the last few games he has come out very well."

Is it tough making the transition to international management? (Admittedly a leading question but Bierhoff's response caught us cold) "For me it wasn't so difficult coming into international management because I had studied economics, I have a degree in it, but football is something I like doing.

"There was a lot of pressure because it was new and you have to learn very fast, but I think as an international manager in Germany, you have the possibility of working with the best people in different areas and this is very fortunate for me.

"Ireland were aggressive, they played well. It was nothing special but they have a good atmosphere in the team so they work together. They don't have single players like Roy Keane but it is a good group."

Sky Sports were grilling Jens Lehmann about his lack of game time recently at Arsenal. Lehmann was adamant this was down to injury and not the proficiency of Manuel Almunia. "Did you see me sitting on the bench once?"

In a week where his old nemesis for the German number one jersey Oliver Kahn stated he should be thankful to be afforded the opportunity to play international football when not featuring at club level, Lehmann was taking no prisoners. Of course, this was all expressed in a calm and precise Germanic manner.

"Some journalists they do study but they lose their intelligence after some weeks. I expect to be playing (for Arsenal) next week."

It sure beat the mundane quotes being spouted out down the other end of the corridor. While waiting in what can only be described as a holding cell between the lift and players' dressingroom, one reporter noted how we were the only people genuinely trying to get somewhere after a match, due to impending deadlines, but access to our destination was delayed by security (young lads in orange bibs) to allow dignitaries safe exit from Croke Park. This is the "mixed zone" FAI style.

"We did come here expecting to win but the Irish team stepped things up in the second half and it surprised me they didn't drop off," added Lehmann.