Staunton applauds new plan of action

Steve Staunton yesterday welcomed the launch of the FAI's new high-performance strategy but predicted it would take a decade before the establishment of a national academy at Abbotstown, the appointment of a performance director and the allocation of up to €2.5 million annually on the development of elite players began to bear real fruit at senior level.

The Republic of Ireland manager, who will tomorrow name his squad for next week's friendly game with Denmark, said the plan had been a major focus of his work for the last year and he shared its stated objective: that Ireland produce a senior team capable of qualifying for every major championship.

"You've got to set yourself targets but," he said, "it's not going to happen overnight. It's going to take at least 10 years."

The idea behind the scheme, which is modelled on the successful strategies adopted in Germany, Hungary and Spain as well as the Netherlands and Australia, is to better equip youngsters technically and identify those with potential early so they can be given coaching and support appropriate to their ability.

In the more immediate future, Staunton said he was happy to have learned Shay Given's injury was less serious than first feared.

"He's a bit better than we were told," he said. "We thought we were going to lose him for the two competitive games next month but it looks like he's okay."

In Given's absence there are plenty of contenders to start in Aarhus; six Irish goalkeepers played in the English Championship at the weekend.

Ahead of them all in the queue might be Colin Doyle, who came into the senior squad for the first time at the start of the summer and started Birmingham City's game at Chelsea on Saturday. The afternoon, however, did not go well for the 22-year-old, who was widely blamed for two of Chelsea's three goals.

"It's always highlighted," said Staunton. "That's the unfortunate thing for goalkeepers when they make mistakes. But Colin's a big part of the reason Birmingham are in the Premiership."

Staunton declined to say what were Doyle's chances of starting next Wednesday but expressed satisfaction with how the first weekend of the English season had gone for Irish players, 17 featuring for top-flight clubs and 42 making appearances for Championship clubs.

"I think we've got 30-odd players in the Premiership but not all of them are playing for the clubs. But I think the Championship has even improved as players from Scotland Wales, Ireland and even England have dropped down due to the influx of foreigners (non-British).

"As long as they (the Irish) are playing that's the most important thing. I've seen a lot of Championship games and in most cases the tempo is quite high, which is good from our point of view."

The manager said Joey O'Brien (Bolton) and Terry Dixon (Tottenham) were progressing solidly in their recovery from long-term injuries and added he was delighted by Andy O'Brien's move to Bolton: "He didn't get to play much football last season and it's great that he'll be back in contention for games again."

Meanwhile, Packie Bonner, the FAI technical director, described the high-performance strategy as "a hugely important piece of work for us to get started on".

The plan has been largely based on the recommendations of Genesis, the consultants employed by the association on a couple of previous occasions. Their report cites the Republic's small player base as necessitating the efficient nurturing of talent if Ireland are to progress at international level.

"Because we work off a small reservoir of players compared to other countries," said the FAI's chief executive, John Delaney, "even those of similar population, there is an onus on us to make sure the players going through our system get the opportunity to maximise their potential. Over the past three years we have worked hard to ensure that there is, for the first time ever, an integrated approach to Irish soccer, with the creation of a proper football pyramid rather than different sectors doing their own thing.

"What we are creating here won't stop players going to England but it will mean there will be a better choice for those with that option. Hopefully, it might persuade some to remain at home and develop their football skills in familiar surroundings."

Delaney confirmed the association would move from its current home at Merrion Square to Abbotstown at the end of October. He also said the Lansdowne Road redevelopment was on schedule and in "good shape".