Long-standing away record needs to be broken

Slovakia v Republic of Ireland:When I signed off last March I noted two positives that must resonate again this evening. Firstly, Steve Staunton unearthed a shape and structure best suited to his team, which held true in the recent demolition of Denmark, and secondly, the victories over Wales and Slovakia at Croke Park alleviated the pressure that had been piling up on the manager.

The hangman was nowhere to be seen this week as the Staunton era settled into a familiar routine of training-ground bumps and bruises, all eased by the new hope that currently exists.

Of course there is a But coming. I glanced back through the record books this week to confirm my suspicions that no Irish team has won a significant away qualifier since a Mark Lawrenson goal saw off Scotland in 1987.

That's 20 years, and three regimes, that Staunton must surpass if he is to guide Ireland to only their second appearance in a European Championship finals - that victory in Glasgow came at the dawn of the Jack Charlton revolution.

That puts the pressure back on anyway.

Sure, there have been vital draws on the road since, like the 2-2 result in Belgium that helped us make it to Germany in 1988 or the nil-all result in Seville in 1992 when John Aldridge scandalously had a goal disallowed.

Irish teams have qualified for major tournaments by doing enough at home to avoid requiring the big win away to serious opposition. Four points is the minimum requirement on this journey to the former Czechoslovakia.

Three of those points need to be garnered this evening in Slovakia as, come Wednesday, I don't see the Czech Republic being as loose defensively as their neighbours tend to be.

So a long-standing tradition (mindset even) needs to be broken.

The Danish friendly continued the upward trend but it can be taken with a pinch of salt as seven players from FC Copenhagen were on the field.

It was at least more valuable than the draws with second strings from Bolivia and Ecuador in the summer.

The all-round performance was emphatic with several players contributing; Andy Reid in particular making a welcome return in the play-making role.

Andy's ability to create was twice exemplified with a pinpoint pass to put Robbie Keane clear for the opener and the delivery for Aiden McGeady to set up the second goal.

Then there is his set-piece delivery that further highlights his importance.

Darron Gibson also made an impressive debut. I first saw him play for Northern Ireland in an under-15 schoolboy international at the AUL grounds in the autumn of 2002.

Darron's ability immediately stood out and, as was my wont at that time in relation to Northern Ireland players, I was aware that many were more than willing to play for the Republic.

The name of his school indicated to me that he was from a particular area. I later discovered through contacts that his family and the player himself wished to declare for the Republic.

We never pursued players unless they wanted to play for us and even when the contact was made I explained the system with the family.

In his case I met his uncle, Paul "Oxo" McLoughlin, at a Derry City versus St Pat's match around Christmas 2002. He clarified the lad's intentions.

Darron had already gone to Manchester United at that time, living with another uncle over there as he was still shy of his 16th birthday. I kept in regular contact, I was senior manager at this stage, and we selected him for an under-17 team that won a tournament in Hungary.

I remember ringing Noel O'Reilly afterwards and he put Darron on the phone because he played so well.

At that age we had already identified him as a player with the potential to make the step up. These two games may have come a little soon for Darron, he has yet to play a competitive game for United, but it's worth noting his allegiance is definitely to the Republic of Ireland.

Steve Finnan's stuttered withdrawal doesn't surprise me considering the current attitude to international duty at Liverpool.

With Stephen Carr also absent and Ian Harte unfamiliar to first-team action, Kevin Kilbane looks an ideal replacement at left back as it's where he is currently doing a job for Wigan Athletic. I often encouraged David Moyes, when Kevin was at Everton, to try him in this role so no worries there.

It also allows Staunton to employ an attack-minded midfield that could well include Steve Hunt on the left, Stephen Ireland on the right and the resurrected Lee Carsley holding the middle behind Reid with McGeady to miss out. This means Robbie Keane will play off Kevin Doyle and drift deep as he likes to do anyway.

My only concern is the lack of solidity and defensive discipline in midfield especially considering Slovakia will come at us like they did after Doyle scored in Croke Park and while attack is a priority strong defence is essential in this situation.

This Slovakian side can do damage as their 16 goals in seven games don't include facing San Marino. It's worth the risk. Anyway, Stephen Ireland can always come inside where he is more effective with Andy switching wide. We can win but to do so the players must begin to carve out a new route in the history of Irish football.