Bobby Robson suffers setback

Bobby Robson's position within the Republic of Ireland management team was cast into renewed doubt on Thursday night after revelations that the former England chief had suffered a reaction following last week's operation to remove a brain tumour.

Robson, 73, underwent surgery nine days ago to remove a grape-sized tumour, which a spokesperson later labelled a complete success.

However, Steve Staunton's international advisor suffered a loss of power in the left side of his body this week.

The FAI had hoped that Robson would be back alongside the Irish boss in time for the October qualifiers against Cyprus and the Czech Republic.

However, the venerable Geordie's latest health concerns place his availability in question.

A statement issued by Robson's family on Thursday evening read: "Sir Bobby Robson continues to make good progress after major surgery which involved complete resection of a tumour from the motor cortex part of the brain. Thankfully he does not require any follow-up chemotherapy or radiation treatment.