Steve Staunton does not expect Jurgen Klinsmann's departure to weaken Germany when the Republic of Ireland open their Euro 2008 campaign in September.

Ireland face the World Cup bronze medallists in Stuttgart on September 2nd with Staunton expecting a stern test in the first competitive match of his tenure.

Klinsmann stepped down as manager last night with Joachim Low named as his successor but Staunton does not believe the change in personnel on the touchline will blunt the German's potency on the pitch.

"The change of manager doesn't alter the fact that they have a really strong squad including some of the stars of the World Cup," Staunton said today.

"Germany have one of the best teams in the world, the competition's top goalscorer and were narrowly beaten by the eventual World Champions in the semi-final".

"We face a huge task in our first qualifying match on their home patch but we must concentrate on our preparations and ensure we give everything on the day," Staunton added.

Low, Klinsmann's assistant since the former Bayern Munich and Tottenham striker succeeded Rudi Voller in June 2004, played a major part in the preparations for each World Cup game.

Now Low will take on the full responsibility for the side having agreed a contract until the end of Euro 2008.

His job will commence on September 2nd with the  Euro 2008 qualifier in Stuttgart, which has already been declared a sell-out.

Klinsmann, who lives in southern California, had been urged to stay on after Germany beat Portugal in the third place match, but he said he needed to consult with his family before making a decision.

All 23 players in Germany's squad, 93 per cent of the German public, various opinion polls, and even some of his harshest critics say they wanted him to continue.