Duff shows support for under-fire boss

Duffer doesn't do press briefings. Well, that's always been the perceived notion within football circles. It was somewhat surprising, therefore, to see the Newcastle winger catapulted into the firing line today. He flanked fellow seniors in an apparent show of unity for their beleaguered manager and the 28-year-old was eager to convey an all-singing, all-dancing Irish camp. Manufactured unity, but a show nonetheless.

"The lads are very positive and we're all buzzing for tomorrow," he said. "I think people outside the camp are the ones being negative, inside we just can't wait for kick-off and hopefully get the three points. Negativity has been around for a while, it's water off a ducks back now."

Duff has struggled with injury throughout the season and a return to form is anticipated. Disgruntled fans for both club and country argue it's been that way for some time. The Dubliner's recent Irish performances have fallen short of the high standards he set himself all those years ago, although he went some way to amending that last Saturday.

While some team-mates around him failed to rouse from their San Marino slumber, Duff was constantly probing, turning and burning opponents. But, as he concedes himself, the team face an altogether more challenging task tomorrow and the collective performance must improve tenfold. Performances have been "sloppy" but he shields Staunton from criticism.

"We had a very good first half against Wales and could have been two or three up," he says. "We then sat off them in the second half and were sloppy. That has nothing to do with Stan, it's the players out on the pitch. We can't pass the ball 10 yards at times but again, that's nothing to do with the manager, it's just us being sloppy. Tomorrow we need a better performance. We're going out to do better, simple as that."

Paul McGrath, former international team-mate and Aston Villa club-mate to Staunton, feels the Louthman will not be in charge of the team for too much longer.

"When (FAI chief executive) John Delaney came to him with the offer Stan said 'yeah I want it'. But I think he might not have realised how big this job is," McGrath said today.

"I don't believe people are going to give him enough time. And I honestly don't think Stan has too many more games. People keep jumping on his back, so how much of that does he want to take?

"He's a great guy outside of football but could be a bit more commanding when barking out the orders. Jack (Charlton) shouted when he needed something done. Stan needs to get nasty with the players."