Steve Staunton shows the strain on Wednesday evening

Staunton has received huge criticism after his side's dismal 2-1 Euro 2008 qualifying victory over San Marino.

But FAI chief executive John Delaney has said that Staunton still has the backing of the governing body.

"I want people to support him and the Association," said Delaney, who has also faced calls to quit his role.

"I and the board have (full confidence in Steve Staunton)," said Delaney on RTE radio.

"He's a lot of work to do with the management team, including Bobby Robson, and he should be left to get on with it."

However, Staunton has been lambasted in the Irish media since Wednesday's abject performance and poor displays from his team next month against Wales and Slovakia will increase calls for his departure.

Those games are at Croke Park, the stronghold of Gaelic football, and are being viewed as 'must win' if the Republic are to retain hopes of reaching the finals.

Defending his own position, Delaney deflected the attention onto the FAI as a whole.

"I will answer to the board of the FAI on the overall development of the game which doesn't just include international football," added Delaney.

"Because I speak on behalf of the FAI, obviously I have to answer for decisions that the FAI make, but I didn't make the decision to appoint Stephen Staunton and Bobby Robson on my own.

"There were a number of people involved, and it was adopted by the board of the FAI."