New Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane is relishing his role ahead of a new dawn in Irish football and has called on supporters to get behind the team as they prepare for the European qualifiers in the autumn.
The Tottenham striker was unveiled as Kenny Cunningham's successor at Lansdowne Road today and will be assisted in his duties by new vice-captain Shay Given, the Newcastle goalkeeper.
Keane's appointment - news of which first surfaced yesterday - has come as something of a surprise, not least to the player himself, as Given was widely expected to take the armband.
"I'm very grateful to Stan for believing in me that I can lead the team," said Keane of his former team-mate and skipper.
"I'm looking forward to this new chapter. To be honest I wasn't expecting it but it's always been a dream of mine. I wasn't expecting this at 25 years of age though."
The Dubliner has captained his club on occasion this season and revealed how the vice-captaincy at White Hart Lane has improved him as a player.
"It's definitely helped me improve but I'm also enjoying this season more than others. I wasn't in the side early in the season but I've knuckled down and got myself back in."
Indeed, it was this quality, in particular, that swayed Staunton who described the striker as an "icon" to Irish supporters.
"I thought long and hard and Shay was an obvious candidate," said the manager who explained his decision to Given at a recent Newcastle game. "Shay leads from the front anyway but I just wanted someone out on the park.
"Robbie handled himself well when he was out of the Spurs team, he knuckled down and got on with it. Spurs have given him responsibility and he's handled it well. The lads here all have respect for him. He's up for the job and I know he'll do it well."
Both manager and captain have heralded a "new start and bright future for Irish football" and this is reflected in Staunton's first team selection.
Of the six uncapped players included in his squad for tomorrow's friendly with Sweden at Lansdowne Road, two will start. Bolton's Joey O'Brien takes his place at full back while Reading striker Kevin Doyle has overcome a calf strain to partner the new captain in attack.
"We have two, possibly three, games to get as many people more caps and experience so we will try different things," said Staunton, who pairs John O'Shea and Steven Reid in midfield.
The manager also confirmed he would make "at least a couple of changes" at half-time as he has promised some Premiership managers - most likely Alex Ferguson and Mick McCarthy who have allowed fit-again O'Shea and Stephen Elliott travel - restricted run outs.
Staunton once again emphasised the importance of blooding new players and experimenting with formation ahead of securing results in friendly games.
"I'm a winner," he said, "but I want to see players excite both me and the fans tomorrow night. Of course we're all down after not getting to the World Cup but I want the players to produce what I know they can. We'll get a lift from that if they do."
Steve Finnan - who Staunton said would not have got into the side ahead of Joey O'Brien regardless - has returned to Liverpool with a slight neck strain and will play no part while Clinton Morrison missed training today with a tight groin but should be fit to take his place on the substitutes bench.
There are still a limited number of tickets for sale for the game at Tolka Park, Drumcondra and the FAI offices on Merrion Square.
Rep of Ireland ( v Sweden): Given; J O'Brien, Dunne, A O'Brien, Harte; Elliott, Reid, O'Shea, Duff; Keane, Doyle.
