Steve Staunton Quotations

On paper, it's a tough group. They're all tough games. The second game, away to Cyprus, ain't going to be easy. Then you're home to the Czech Republic...

I have been looking at a lot of players very closely over the last month and the time is right to give some new lads the opportunity to play at senior level.

Knowing Sir Bobby as I do, he will be back fighting fit in no time.

We are restricted up front. It's not as if we can go out and buy someone, so we have to get on with what we have got.

What we have to do is get the best out of them over the next couple of years, so by the third year we are looking at a more experienced, stable squad.

We will be very flexible. We've enough bright players who are able to express themselves, and that's what I want to see. I want them to enjoy it.

We've not had time to sit down and have a good look over the squad. I've got my own ideas but it's something that we'll come to nearer the time of the game.

We all felt the huge disappointment for not qualifying for Germany. Now we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and look forward rather than back.

We all think we can do the job, but you never know. I feel I can do the job, but I'll do it my way. ... Whatever I say goes. And I will use Bobby in whatever role I see fit.

Bobby had a very positive chat with him. Bobby, as you know, lives in that part of the woods. He's spoken to him on numerous occasions, so it's very positive.

I've said before, I'm a winner. But tomorrow I want to see my players excite me and the fans, and give them something to look forward to.

Sam thinks he's ready for it and from what I've seen I'd agree. He is in the first team now and learning the game but he can play at right back or in midfield which is the sort of versatility that you want.

They had that little bit of luck. They were fortunate to have seven minutes of stoppage time against Sheffield Wednesday when Steve Bruce scored twice to turn the game round. You need a little bit of luck, no matter how good you are. They got it and we didn't and the rest is history. Look what's happened to United since and what's happened to Villa.

That's part of the reason for taking this man on board, he's done it all.

It's great that he's getting the opportunity that he is at City. He wants to play and in the games he has played he's more than held his own. He's a very bright prospect.

I know that the caliber of the team I have will bring a huge range of experience and talent to the challenges that lie ahead. I can't wait to get started. I hope that the drive, passion and commitment that we have can reflect the Irish fans' real love for the game and have an impact not just on the squad but on the nation.

I'm the boss, I'm the gaffer and at the end of the day what I say goes. I will use Bobby in whatever role I see fit.

If you look at the younger level, we are quite strong in that department with what is coming through, so it depends on who catches the eye.

He's improved no end after coming from second division football to hold his place in the Premiership. He's neat and tidy, a very strong runner. We like what we see so far.

Unfortunately, at this moment in time, Robbie Keane can't hit a barn door for us.

At the end of the day, if you're old enough, you're good enough.