Hunt offering no excuses

Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Hunt admits the players have no excuses for their performance against Cyprus at Croke Park last night.

The Reading man made his first competitive start in the dismal 1-1 draw.  Steve Finnan had to strike an injury-time equaliser to ensure Ireland avoided even more embarrassment.

Manager Steve Staunton insists he will fight on but his position looks increasingly untenable with the result ensuring the Republic can not qualify for Euro 2008.

Hunt said: "Under our manager Stephen Staunton we cross the line. He's the manager - he gives us the tactics and he gives us everything but we were poor.

"I don't mind admitting that and I'm sure the rest of the boys will also admit that. Cyprus hit us on the break a few times and that shouldn't have happened. Steve Staunton gave me my first cap but I've got to do better."

Joey O'Brien said: "We weren't good enough. The manager wasn't best pleased but what he said will stay in the dressing room."

Staunton will hope the FAI shows him as much loyalty as he has shown his mis-firing captain Robbie Keane, whose sum total of success in the Euro qualifiers is a hat-trick at home to San Marino.

Staunton admitted Keane currently "can't hit a barn door", but insisted his form at Tottenham - for whom he has found the net six times this season - is proof that he deserves to retain not only his place but his captaincy.

Staunton said: "Robbie has got the full backing and respect of the squad. He's captain at Spurs so I don't see \[a problem] at all. I think he's taken on the responsibility and it's just unfortunate it's not going for him in a green jersey.

"You can't question his work rate and what he does for the team. He does an awful lot more - probably too much. But that's his enthusiasm. It's just in front of goal where it is not going for him.

"I think when you haven't got the ball you need one of your strikers coming back and helping out. Every other country has it so I don't see why we shouldn't have it. Robbie is the one who takes the responsibility and does it."   PA