Stan will be sacked if defeated

Reports in many papers today have indicated that Irish manager, Steve Staunton, will be sacked if Ireland do not win tonight in Dublin. Staunton has come uder fire following four stright defeats and the humiliating loss to Cyprus last  Saturday.

However Steve Staunton is determined to 'ride the storm' as his future as manager of the Republic of Ireland comes into focus again.

Staunton claims to have received assurances from Football Association of Ireland chiefs that his job is safe, regardless of the result of the clash with the Czech Republic.

But that was not the message from FAI chief executive John Delaney when specifically asked about the issue just three hours after Staunton had spoken.

With fans turning against Staunton after four straight defeats, including Saturday's horror-show in Cyprus, it appears Staunton stands alone tonight as a makeshift team prepare to fight for his career as Ireland boss.

At least Staunton's defiance was unequivocal as he said: 'I have full faith in what I have. We just have to bide our time and ride the storm.

'It's now up to the lads to go out there and show those supporters what they can do. That's all we can do.

'We will give everything we've got. As long as I see the passion for the green jersey, then that's all you can ask of them, to give their all. That's it.

'The performance on Saturday has gone. We know defensively we were very poor. I wasn't happy with it, but there's nothing we can do about it now.

'With 10 matches remaining, we have to look forward, and I know everybody in that dressing room is going to try their hardest for the supporters.