Shay To 'Stick One Up The Germans'?

Last updated : 13 October 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton says he will never forget the time the Germans put towels on the sunbeds in Benidorm, and he is out for revenge today.

Well ... that isn't totally the truth.

Staunton claimed the "very high-up" delegation derided his team, Croke Park and the Irish supporters following a visit to the stadium in March when the Republic faced Wales ... which probably good enough reason to hold a grudge.

But I'm sure Shay Given doesn't want TOO much animosity, because he is the one who has to face the might of their strike force.

Staunton: "We know tomorrow we are up against one of the powerhouses of world football.

"We heard the comments back from the German delegation after the Welsh game, and if you were an Irish player or supporter, I would not have been too happy with them.

"They weren't very complimentary about Croke Park, about the crowd and the atmosphere in the ground not being very good, or about our chances.

"They said the pitch was too far away from the supporters and the fans did not have an effect on the team.

"If they had been there for the Slovakia game then they might have come away with a different attitude.

"But we will use that to motivate the players."

But it's a tough call for the Irish, who look as though Newcastle have more chance of winning the Premiership than the Republic qualifying.

In short, they have to win their remaining three matches, whilst at the same time hoping the Czech Republic fail to acquire the three points they need from their final trio of games to claim the runners-up spot.

Unbeaten Germany, who have dropped just two points from their eight matches, need only a draw to guarantee their place in the finals in Switzerland and Austria next year.

Best of luck Shay!