Paul O'Hehir argues Steve Staunton should adapt a good enough, old enough approach.

With two squads to preside and mull over in the coming week it's little wonder Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has maintained a low public profile since those by now infamous October internationals. The rebirth of the B internationals sees Ireland host Scotland at Dalymount Park next Tuesday, just 24 hours before the senior squad meet San Marino in a European qualifier on the other side of the capital.

Never has there been a more opportune time to resurrect these particular games and both Staunton and Pat Devlin have been busy scouring clubs high and low over recent weeks in an attempt to unearth the components. It wasn't long after Staunton's appointment that the new manager plucked Devlin away from Bray Wanderers and installed him as international B manager. Today, the make-up of his squad - rubber-stamped by Staunton - will generate as many talking points as the senior panel when both selections are announced at lunchtime.

Staunton's players showed bite and tenacity when drawing against the Czechs last month, but was that merely papering over the cracks of Nicosia days earlier or has this team indeed turned a corner? The Cyprus disaster will take some time to get over but the idea it should be brushed under the carpet and deemed taboo is bunkum. Standards cannot sink that low again, and if players need constant reminding of that, then so be it. The players admitted feeling embarrassed for the fans, supporters who have since questioned the desire of some senior squad members.

Picking a B squad, therefore, serves a dual purpose at a time when it's safe to do so. Let's face it, San Marino are no Cyprus, so why not experiment? Although primarily a watch-and-learn exercise for the management team, the idea of mixing brash young cubs with established players not quite cutting it at top level is actually a necessity.

While Euro 2008 qualification appears to have passed the senior squad by already, there are still enticing games ahead in which Staunton, if true to his "four-year-plan", must surely throw caution to the wind by cutting loose those lagging behind.

There isn't a supporter in the country who doesn't want the Republic of Ireland competing in Austria and Switzerland in 2008 but do we have a divine right to be there? Absolutely not. But should supporters expect total commitment and effort in attempting to qualify? Absolutely.

But it's the nature of the beast and also the fickle nature of sport and its supporters that when required blooding hits a setback those directly involved are quickly lambasted. Rightly so in respect of some, but patience and nurturing is essential for others.

Therefore, it's imperative these youngsters, many of whom are already cutting an impressive swagger at club level, get their respective chances in next week's games. They certainly won't be fazed and will relish the prospect of courting Staunton.

Arsenal striker Anthony Stokes is on loan at Falkirk and is scoring for fun. He may be just 18, but the old adage of good-enough, old-enough applies. He'll probably make Devlin's squad, but why not feature in Staunton's? Clinton Morrison, despite his best endeavours, is clearly not an international "goal-getter". Ultimately Stokes may not make the grade either but back-to-back SPL hat-tricks at least suggests he's on form. He'll have breached more imposing defences in Scotland than San Marino's.

But of course his inclusion is anything but certain. To merit that senior call Stokes would have to play at least a half, otherwise the exercise is futile. While he could conceivably make selection ahead of Morrison, neither Robbie Keane nor Kevin Doyle can afford to be "rested". Although Keane showed form for Tottenham at the weekend, the Irish skipper has struggled recently for club and country. An international goal or two would surely wake him from his slumber and that, quite frankly, is needed while Doyle still needs the experience.

Stephen McPhail (26) boasts 10 international caps but the gifted midfielder lost his way in recent seasons. This term, however, he is playing the best football of his career with Championship leaders Cardiff City. It's interesting to note Roy Keane and Graham Kavanagh are both championing his cause for selection.

Numerically, Staunton is blessed with midfielders, many of whom promise so much. Yet, in recent internationals, that particular area has proved something of a conundrum - or more of an Achilles' heel in Cyprus. Of course, it must be said the buck stops with Staunton.

John O'Shea's versatility is admirable but he has yet to convince when dicing it in the centre and despite Alex Ferguson's attempts to reinvent him at Old Trafford, he is clearly a defender. The Indian summers of Lee Carsley and Kavanagh are drawing to a close and while there's an argument for their inclusion perhaps now is the right time to sever ties.

Joe Gamble, Roy O'Donovan, Jason Byrne and Glen Crowe are the pick of the Eircom League who are tipped for B-squad inclusion while forgotten men from the Brian Kerr era can also stake their claims. Seán St Ledger, something of a controversial senior addition of late, could also join them along with Alan O'Brien and namesake Andy, who will find Paul McShane difficult to dislodge.

Staunton must realise he has nothing to lose. Barring a dramatic upheaval in the qualifying table, Ireland already know their fate. Cyprus sealed that and harsh realities must be faced. The current squad is certainly young enough, but collectively is it good enough? Time is ripe for alterations, so let's embrace that.

pohehir@irish-times.com