Stan has no regrets about Carsley snub

Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton has defended his decision not to recall Lee Carsley to the squad despite Saturday's debacle in Cyprus.

The Everton midfielder had previously indicated to Staunton he wished to return from international retirement, a move made two-and-a-half years ago in order to concentrate on club football and his family.

After initially being overlooked when the squad was announced, the fact he was not recalled when both Steven Reid and Graham Kavanagh withdrew through injury caused a stir.

Close friend and former Everton team-mate Kevin Kilbane felt the inclusion of the 32-year-old would have helped Ireland's cause.

Kilbane claimed Carsley is authoritative, possesses a fear factor and is professional, with all those qualities lacking in the team at the GSP Stadium.

With Liam Miller also absent with a foot injury sustained during training, Staunton opted for 20-year-old Stephen Ireland in the middle of the park against the Cypriots.

Although Ireland scored the opener, the Republic proceeded to lose the midfield battle, not helped of course by the defensive errors that riddled an abject performance.

When asked whether not recalling Carsley was a mistake, Staunton replied: "No, because we are looking forward.

"If you remember, a lot of you (the media) didn't have a lot of nice things to say about Lee when he last played for Ireland."

When informed these were now different circumstances, a defiant Staunton added: "Well, yes, but I decided to go with Ireland and he didn't let me down."