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Last Updated: Monday, 4 September 2006, 08:11 GMT 09:11 UK
Staunton unfazed by possible ban
Steve Staunton (right)
Staunton (right) is ordered from the dug-out in Saturday's game
Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton insists sitting in the stands for next month's Euro 2008 qualifier in Cyprus will hold no fears.

Staunton could be handed a sideline ban by Uefa on Friday after being ordered from the dug-out in Saturday's 1-0 qualifying defeat against Germany.

Referee Luis Medina Cantalejo made the decision after Staunton had kicked a water bottle in frustration.

"I'm not fearing anything. I will still be at the games," said Staunton.

After a warning earlier in the game for his behaviour, Staunton pushed Cantalejo's patience once too often, ending his first competitive match in charge in ignominious fashion.

Uefa's Control and Disciplinary Body will hear Cantalejo's match report at a meeting on Friday and Staunton could find himself away from the dug-out for the Group D games in Cyprus on 7 October and at home to the Czech Republic four days later.

In speaking after the defeat to Germany, Staunton mistakenly believed he would be able to communicate with his backroom staff from the stands if he was handed a touchline ban.

Uefa laws, however, prevent a suspended manager from any contact with other team personnel from the moment that team enter the stadium.

I'm not worried because I have a great backroom staff

Steve Staunton

The situation could be further clouded if consultant Sir Bobby Robson has still not recovered in time from recent surgery.

But an undaunted Staunton said: "It's out of my control as to what happens now.

"Even if I'm not in the dug-out and Bobby's not back, then I'm not worried because I have a great backroom staff.

"I picked them and I put full trust in them, and I will be able to relay my thoughts without getting angry in the stands."

Staunton refused to say whether he regretted the incident, or whether he would have to change his approach for future matches.

He did say, however, that it is becoming increasingly difficult to make a point.

Cyprus are going to have worked on things defensively

Steve Staunton

"You have to bite the bullet at times. It's getting so you can't say anything.

"I find it very hard, though, because I'm a passionate person and I have a passionate team.

"When I'm on the touchline I kick and head everything. I play the game like everyone else, and I just kicked a bottle of water out of frustration on this occasion."

Following the defeat to Germany, the Republic will need a win against the Cypriots who were hammered 6-1 by Slovakia on Saturday.

Staunton, though, expects Cyprus to be a much-improved outfit next month.

"They're going to have worked on things defensively.

"We know it's going to be tough anyway because we have been out there a couple of times in the last few years and they've not been easy games."



SEE ALSO
Staunton happy with Irish display
02 Sep 06 |  Internationals
Germany 1-0 Republic of Ireland
02 Sep 06 |  Internationals
Saturday football photos
02 Sep 06 |  Football
Euro 2008 tables
02 Sep 06 |  Internationals


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