Having spent four years together at Newcastle United, Bobby Robson knows Craig Bellamy, knows him well and better than most.

He's as familiar with the predatory striker as he is the fiery tabloid rogue, the two colliding public faces of a controversial player repeatedly making headlines for a variety of reasons.

Although unquestionably talented, Bellamy has at times frustrated those in the game who believe in him most, proving his own worst enemy on more than one occasion. Robson once described him as the "gobbiest" player he has ever worked with but also acknowledges the Welshman could prove Ireland's deadliest enemy come Saturday.
 
"I had him for four years and at 3pm on a Saturday I loved him," says Robson of a player he gave Coventry City £6 million for. "I also had him in my office on several occasions regarding his behavior and tolerance for certain situations.  But at 3pm on a Saturday, Alan Shearer liked him and so did I, because he was a good player.  He got us goals and set things up, he's a dangerous player."
 
While confident, bullish even, that Staunton's players can right the wrongs of San Marino, Robson warns concentration levels, particularly in defence, must be razor sharp to curb a lively Welsh attack.  Concerns over Ryan Giggs's cunning and Bellamy's pace are both sincere and genuine.  He busily rearranges journalist's tape-recorders on the table in front of him, using them as props to depict tactical scenarios of how the duo will look to probe during match-time.
 
"Wales' priority is not to lose. Everyone tries to win," he offers.  "But the objective away from home is not to lose.  (Manager) John Toshack will know he has a chance on the break with Giggs and Bellamy. Bellamy is quick, he wants the ball behind.  Steve Finnan knows that because he plays with him at Liverpool, but Finnan won't be marking him.  We just need to mark him well, and get with him on his runs.  They're both such clever players so we must concentrate."
 
The precise components of Ireland's defensive unit remains unclear, with only Shay Given, Richard Dunne and Finnan assured of their roles.  Paul McShane, Darren O'Dea or John O'Shea could partner Dunne, although the latter could also fill the left back berth.  That said, Robson was almost gushing over Ian Harte's return to form and fitness, suggesting the Levante clubman is being primed for duty.
 
"Harty has served his country very well and is a very, very good player," he says.  "Against San Marino he had only played two games in four months but after regaining fitness he has played a lot more since.  Yesterday, at training, he looked a very different player. But, still, he has to prove himself to Stan."
 
Of course, the sum of Ireland's recent problems lie far deeper than merely ensuring defenders are on top of their game and capable of containing a lively attack.  But for a string of late chances when frantically chasing a winner, the collective performance in San Marino was devoid of imagination, penetration and panache. That, Robson concedes, was both disappointing and frustrating.
 
"I'm sure the supporters will be behind the team this weekend," he says lightly drumming a fist on the table.  "We're aware we didn't quite get the result we wanted against San Marino.  But in actual fact the performance was better than the result.  It was a game on edge and because of that we got criticised, but of course that comes with the territory.
 
"Now, though, we are determined to give it all we've got.  We've home advantage, a big crowd and it's an historical occasion.  The Irish rugby team has put us under pressure with their results and performances and we've got to do the same.
 
"Stan is very popular and the players are working very hard for him," Robson adds.  "But he is still new to the job, so he needs time and we need to help him. A lot of it is down to the players. We pick the best side we can and play the way we want to play.  So it's really up to the players because Stan has taken an awful lot of flak, which has been unjustified. He doesn't need it. We need to protect him and take the pressure off him."
 
If Staunton, Robson and the players are to emerge with their heads held high this weekend, containing Bellamy from the off could prove a rewarding starting point.