"Before the game we said to the players because it looked at half-time as if it was going to take that. After going 1-0 up we thought we would go on and win it comfortably but we didn't. What more can I say, we got three points." - We are still not sure what exactly Staunton told the players

"We know we have to improve, we'll be stronger in March as well. We took a gamble playing this game at this time of the year and we've got six points out of the two games with San Marino, so that's all we wanted."

- On the perils of playing part-timers in February

"We could have gone in two or three up. I mean, we had good chances. Second half, we had good chances. Stephen Hunt came on, very unlucky. Probably struck it too well."

- On the chances that were passed up

"I thought it was diabolical, very poor. Lack of concentration. They were always going to get a chance. Every team you play against always gets one chance. They took theirs."

- On the equalising goal

"That's football. We're all frustrated. None more than me. But we're third in the table now and we've got two great games in Croke Park. What more can I say?"

- On the disappointment with the performance

"The last few minutes we had four chances, after they scored, four good chances, and thankfully we got one. So, tremendous spirit. It just shows."

- On Ireland's never say die attitude against the Sanmarinese.

"San Marino are going to be a handful as the group goes on, we knew that. They're going to develop."

- On Wednesday's opponents