Staunton thrilled by Republic win

Steve Staunton was delighted with the Republic's display

Steve Staunton was delighted after his Republic of Ireland team defeated Slovakia and secured his job until the end of the Euro 2008 campaign.

His side remain in third place in Group D after Wednesday's game but still in the frame for qualification.

"To give ourselves a chance in the group, we had to win the two games (against Wales and Slovakia)," said the Republic of Ireland manager.

"There was a lot of pressure on the lads but they've handled it very well."

Staunton praised goalscorer Kevin Doyle who headed the Republic's winner in the 12th minute.

"He (Doyle) got across the defender very well and got in a good header. It was nice to have him back," said Staunton.

"The back five have kept three or four clean sheets now which is excellent defensively.

We've got some wonderful young talent coming through and they showed that especially in the first half Steve Staunton

"We did better with the ball as well. In the first half, the lads played with a lot of pride and passion. They shifted the ball quickly like we know they can."

Staunton also felt that the evening kick-off at Croke Park had suited his team and led to a better atmosphere in the crowd than the subdued nature of Saturday's occasion against Wales.

"The supporters were magnificent. The team responded and it was a fully-deserved win.

"The boys knew they were up against a very good side and it showed with the pace that they broke at us.

"But we matched them. We've got some wonderful young talent coming through and they showed that especially in the first half."

The Republic boss also praised Damien Duff, who lit up the Croke Park game in the first half with some delightful touches.

To score in front of 70,000 people at Croke Park is something I won't forget Kevin Doyle

"Damien can do that. He's only coming back really the last few weeks after injury. We know what Damien can do and he did it. He has worked his socks off for me ever since I got the job."

Goalscorer Doyle said his match-winning goal had been a "special moment".

"To score in front of 70,000 people at Croke Park is something I won't forget," said the Reading striker.

The Wexford man agreed that the atmosphere had been several notches higher than during Saturday's laboured win against Wales, when he came on as a late substitute.

"I think it was the way we played tonight. We were really up and at them from the start.

"We played some good football tonight. I'm going to say that because I was on the pitch but it seemed like we played good football. We deserved our victory."

Doyle said that the victory "should" take the pressure off Steve Staunton.

"We don't have a proper qualifying game until next September so we've given ourselves a bit of breathing space."