Team News:Feeding the media is a necessary evil when donning the gaffer's cap. Like or loathe the scribes, there's no escaping them - just ask Steve Staunton. Yesterday's pitchside briefing was just that, brief. It lasted all of 32 seconds. Consequently, stop watches were at the ready today, deep in the bowels of Croke Park where the press pack lurked ahead of the manager's mandatory eve-of-match conference.
Having done himself no favours, Staunton, through gritted teeth one would imagine, performed a spectacular about-turn. A save-face offensive was launched, with the manager and his advisors scrambling desperately to repair an already strained relationship. Three extra-players, senior ones at that, faced the firing squad.
Staunton wasn't for elaborating on the significance of the gathering, but Damien Duff's dislike for such get-togethers is well documented. And in joining Richard Dunne, Kevin Kilbane and stand-in captain Shay Given, the quartet flanked the under-fire manager like a safety blanket. Safety in numbers, we suppose. The angst etched on Staunton's face when left to fend on his own was conspicuous by its absence.
"The boys have come out and we're here for questions," he said of the heavy-weight line-up. "I feel fine, we got the three points that we needed on Saturday and its put us in a nice position. If we win the game tomorrow we're in a healthy position with no competitive game for six months."
A visiting journalist drew comparisons between Staunton and Steve McClaren's current position. Both international managers, both their teams under-performing, both facing a media backlash in the wake of less than inspiring performances and results.
"Well I know what previous (Irish) managers went through," Staunton said of the media pressure. "I know what it's all about. When Jack Charlton took over I think there was five or six journalists and one TV crew and now look at this here today," he said. "We'll be selling tickets next month."
Speaking of tickets, those for tomorrow night's qualifier against Slovakia at Croke Park are well sold at this stage. Following criticism from the terraces during Saturday's uninspiring 1-0 win over Wales, Staunton's team selection, on paper at least, carries more creativity. Aiden McGeady replaces Jonathan Douglas while Robbie Keane's suspension means Kevin Doyle leads the line in the two personnel changes.
While stopping short of announcing his formation, Staunton confirmed both Damien Duff and Celtic's McGeady would start on the wing. Playing 4-5-1 in a home game Ireland must win seems incomprehensible, so Stephen Ireland is likely to play off Doyle up front. Kevin Kilbane tucks infield to partner Lee Carsley in midfield.
"Aiden's a very tricky winger," said Staunton, who conceded Stephen Hunt was unlucky to miss out. "He's been excellent in training; has played in the Champions League and, after analysing the Slovakians over the last few months, we feel Damien and Aiden are going to be key to us winning the game tomorrow."
In defence, goalkeeper Given captains the side on his 80th appearance and equals Packie Bonner's record in the process. The back four that started against Wales remains unchanged, although John O'Shea and Steve Finnan, who started at right and left back respectively on Saturday, could, and probably should, swap sides.
But how do Slovakia compare to Wales?
"Well, they're a strong physical side, very athletic and with players that will break from midfield and cause us problems. They're also quick down the left flank but I think we've got the right players in the right positions to cause them one or two problems."
Republic of Ireland:Given, Finnan, McShane, Dunne, O'Shea; Duff, Carsley, Kilbane, McGeady; Ireland, Doyle
