Manager's reaction: Steve Staunton is adamant he will not resign as Republic of Ireland manager despite admitting his side "got out of jail" after a shamblolic performance against Cyprus.

Steve Finnan's late, late goal has probably afforded the under-fire manager a lifeline for this campaign but one he does not deserve with the World Cup looming.

He cut a forlorn figure in the post match media conference but said:  "I've been given a job and I want to see it through.  But that performance just isn't good enough.

"Over four days we've had two very indifferent performances.  We had a good run against the Germans, but that just ain't good enough what happened here tonight.

"We didn't pass the ball, didn't get hold of it, didn't mark, didn't do anything tonight.  We got out of jail."

Are you learning fast enough in this job?

"Definitely"

But Staunton then pointed the finger of blame at his young squad, players whom he said will have to "grow up quick".

"Although there are a few young players in there, they'll have to learn quick," he said.  "We're getting indifferent performances maybe because of the youth in the side.  But they're going to have to grow up quick."

The manager's decision to play Joey O'Brien in midfield backfired spectacularly but why, having played so well in defence on Saturday, was he deployed in that role?

"Well we know he's a good passer of the ball, we saw that in training," offered Staunton.  "Unfortunately tonight he didn't pass the ball well and we got punished through it.

"We know the Cypriots are a decent side and they proved that tonight.  They've got three of four clever players.  We got out of jail and were very lucky to get a draw.

"I fully expected a tough game tonight but we made it a tougher game for ourselves. Our better players from Saturday who controlled and passed it so well didn't do that tonight."

A large majority of Irish supporters demanded Staunton's head once Cyprus edged in front with 10 minutes remaining and even Finnan's injury-time goal could not prevent renewed calls at the whistle.

Mick McCarthy's fate as Irish manager was effectively sealed when the fans turned on him, so does Staunton feels under similar pressure?

"They're fully within their rights to boo as it just wasn't good enough," he said.  "It got a little bit better in the second half but still wasn't good enough.

"There was a section in the corner, I accept that.  But I know what I'm trying to do.  Unfortunately we're only a small nation and we need our big players.   It'll make life easier for the younger ones coming through when we have everyone fully fit.

"But I'm not putting any spin on tonight.  It just wasn't good enough.  The players know that.  They know going into the World Cup that they'll have to do better and not just for one game."

Robbie Keane is a case in point.  The Irish captain has struggled for form at this level for some time, a fact not lost on the manager who was nothing but blunt in assessing his skipper's form.  He did, however, deny the captaincy itself was weighing down his star striker.

"He's got the full backing of the squad and respect of the squad.  Unfortunately at this moment in time Robbie can't hit a barn door for us, but he is scoring goals at Tottenham."

And with that, Staunton upped and left.  Perhaps for good.