Steve Staunton will be extending his record haul of appearances for the Republic to 90 when he turns out against Croatia in this evening's friendly at Lansdowne Road. Staunton keeps his place in Mick McCarthy's line-up following impressive outings against Portugal and Estonia, and with the continued absence of first choice central defensive pairing Kenny Cunningham and Gary Breen, the Dundalk man looks set to add to his record haul against Holland on September 1.
But the versatile Aston Villa man played down his continuing assault on the record books by insisting his main priority is a place at next year's World Cup finals in Japan and Korea. He stressed: "I'm only as good as my last international. Those figures don't really matter so long as we get to the World Cup finals. It's great to be around when you see so many good young players coming into the Irish team with such quality. I have never wanted to depart from the squad and it is very rewarding that Mick McCarthy has kept faith in me. I remember what happened at Italia 90 and then four years later in America. It would be great if our young players could benefit from that type of experience - there is nothing to beat playing in the World Cup Finals."
Staunton will face Croatian striker Davor Suker, who is also in the twilight of his career and holds a remarkable record of 43 goals in just 62 games. At the age of 33 the former Arsenal and West Ham striker knows that this is his last chance of another World Cup Final appearance. Last year I had a difficult season with West Ham because of all the injuries. Now I am not certain where my future lies. I could go back to a club in Croatia, but there have been enquiries from two clubs in England. We are a new young side and I have no doubt that our new coach Mirko Jozic can recapture past glories. Back in 1998 at the World Cup Finals in France I scored six goals and won the Golden Boot award. I want to do the same in Asia next year."
Republic boss McCarthy gives a place in his starting line-up to Millwall midfielder Steven Reid, while Manchester United central defender John O'Shea and Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison are expected to feature at some stage with up to nine substitutes permitted on both sides. McCarthy added: "I hope all the young lads who come in make it a really nice problem for me before I have to name my panel for our important Group Two World Cup match against Holland in Dublin in just 15 days' time."
Tonight's friendly kicks-off at 7.30pm and is live on Network 2 and 2FM Medium Wave at 612 or 1278mw.
Filed by Shane Murray
