A goal deep into injury time spared Staunton’s blushes, but he remains a man under pressure in the wake of a narrow 2-1 escape against San Marino.

Goalscorer Kevin Kilbane conceded he was “very disappointed” and added that the Republic players got “the fright of their lives”.

“There are a lot of things we can learn from that. We didn’t pass the ball well and it is up to the older players like myself to bring the younger lads through.

“After the first goal it would have been nice to go on and score a few more but a horrendous mistake at the back almost cost us dear.

“I can understand why the supporters are not happy because the players are not happy with performances like that and we have to improve a lot.”

The Wigan player whose father is from Achill Island refused to lay the blame at the feet of manager Staunton, saying that the players had to take responsibility.

“The players have to go out there and give a good account of ourselves but we didn’t do that and didn’t bring any credit to the manager or ourselves.

“We wanted to put on a show and give ourselves some confidence for the two games at Croke Park but at least we got the win and it is back to the drawing board now.”

Categories: Videos
Tags: