Soccer:Eamon Dunphy took the opportunity to clarify his position after he came in for much criticism for using the word "shameful" as part of his post-match analysis of Ireland's draw with Italy in their World Cup qualifier at the weekend.
Speaking on RTÉ'sMorning Ireland programme Dunphy appeared to backtrack a little when referring to his "shameful" remarks.
“One word was taken out of a 20-minute conversation - the word 'shameful'. It's not an appropriate word to use for the performance (against Italy),” said the soccer pundit
“What I was referring to was Andy Reid's omission from the squad.”
“I did use it (the word shameful); it wasn’t the right word to use for the performance. It would be appropriate, I think, to what's happening to Andy Reid.
"We have to remember all players love playing for their country and he must be very hurt and professionally isolated at the moment. He's playing very well for Sunderland and should be in the Irish squad," added Dunphy, who was part of RTÉ'spanel alongside Johnny Giles and Graeme Souness on Saturday night.
Dunphy went on to give his version of events and how he saw the Ireland performance against the world champions. “I think we played very poorly for at least an hour-and-a-quarter of the game. They didn't pass the ball well. Italy controlled the football.”
“What was depressing about it was that there doesn't seem to be any attempt by the Irish team when they have the ball to play football and to pass the ball the way you should do at international level.
"I would say the word 'shameful' in the context I used on Saturday was wrong. I've no problem admitting that," added Dunphy on RTÉ'sradio this morning.
In reference to Stephen Hunt's comments about him being 'a skinny little rat', Dunphy joked: “Stephen Hunt's not exactly Mr Universe himself.”
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