Soccer

MacDonald in charge if Staunton banned

Coach Kevin MacDonald will be in charge of team affairs when the Republic of Ireland travel to Cyprus next month should Steve…

Paul O'Hehir
Wed Sept 06 2006 - 01:00

Coach Kevin MacDonald will be in charge of team affairs when the Republic of Ireland travel to Cyprus next month should Steve Staunton receive an expected match ban on Friday.

Staunton faces a touchline ban following his sending off in last weekend's defeat to Germany and FAI chief John Delaney confirmed this morning that the Aston Villa reserve coach would call the shots.

"We'll see the outcome but if Stephen does get a suspension of one match, two matches, or whatever, Kevin MacDonald will be in charge of team affairs on the night," Delaney said.

Staunton was dismissed during Saturday's game in Stuttgart after kicking a water-bottle in frustration at one of the Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo's decisions.

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Uefa's Control and Disciplinary Body meet on Friday, with Staunton's case one of many that will be heard, and a suspension of at least one match is likely.

Bans like these almost always mean contact with players or technical staff is forbidden from two hours before kick-off until after the final whistle, meaning MacDonald's role becomes even more significant.

Delaney sits on that disciplinary body but, for obvious reasons, must excuse himself from Staunton's hearing.

Both Delaney and Staunton plan to visit FAI football consultant Bobby Robson - who because of illness missed the games against Holland and Germany - within the next fortnight.

Robson (73) is continuing to make good progress following surgery to remove a small brain tumour that recently resulted in minor complications.

"He's in good spirits, he's bright, and he watched the game against Germany," Delaney told RTE radio. "He thought we did very well.  He felt we deserved to get something out of the match.

"We're awaiting further medical advice.  I'm going to see him within the next week-and-a-half or two weeks and any future of Bobby will be based on any medical advice that is forthcoming."

Finally, the FAI Carlsberg Cup quarter-final draw takes place in Portmarnock this evening while in the eircom League Cup Limerick host Derry City in the second semi-final.