Soccer

Robson hoping to be on the sideline

Bobby Robson has still not ruled out a return to the Republic of Ireland fold for next month's Euro 2008 qualifiers with Cyprus…

Mon Sept 04 2006 - 01:00

Bobby Robson has still not ruled out a return to the Republic of Ireland fold for next month's Euro 2008 qualifiers with Cyprus and the Czech Republic.

Robson continues to make good progress following surgery to remove a small brain tumour that recently resulted in minor complications. If Robson is fit and available, his presence could be crucial with manager Steve Staunton certain to receive at least a one-match ban following his dismissal during Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Germany in Stuttgart.

That would see Staunton sat in the stands, and under Uefa rules, unable to communicate with other team personnel from the moment Ireland enter the
stadium.

With the games against Cyprus and the Czechs just over four weeks away on October 7th and 11th respectively, Robson said: "I feel in great form. Obviously I need to continue to listen to the doctors, but I've been making real progress and spoke with both Stephen and (FAI chief executive) John Delaney today.

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"I can't wait to get back to football with Stephen and the boys as soon as I can."

Robson feels Staunton "will learn" from the events that unfolded in the Gottlieb-Daimler Stadium, with Staunton to hear of Uefa's punishment on Friday.

Robson added: "The sending off was one of those things which can happen in a football game and Stephen will learn from it."

With or without Staunton in the dug-out, the pressure will be on to get Ireland's Group D campaign off and running with a result in Cyprus. Former England manager Robson feels there are positives from the game with Germany on which to build ahead of the clash in Nicosia.

"I thought the fixture was the biggest of the weekend and it could easily have been the result of the weekend," remarked Robson. "The energy and effort were good and we tried to keep the tempo up - we caused them a few problems.

"Organisationally, I thought we set out a good stall and had a good shape. The Germans were very good technically, but I thought Stephen had our lads up for the occasion and the players responded positively.

"We should be proud of the performance."