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Staunton was probably Ireland's most criticised manager ever. Donall Farmer/INPHO
Taking the positives

It's The Gaffer's birthday so we remembered the best moment from his time as Ireland boss

Unfortunately it was all downhill after Staunton’s first game.

IT IS STEVE Staunton’s 46th birthday so we thought it would be nice to dwell on the positives from his reign as Ireland manager rather than the many negatives.

Staunton was consistently good for Ireland during his 14-year international career although a lot of that goodwill has evaporated due to his catastrophic tenure as manager.

But it wasn’t always a hopeless experience. Staunton’s first game in charge was against Sweden at Lansdowne Road in a friendly back in March 2006.

Sweden had qualified for the World Cup so Ireland’s dominant 3-0 win looked to put the national team in good stead ahead of the Euro 2008 qualification campaign.

Goals from Damien Duff and Robbie Keane put Ireland in control but it was the cracking long-range strike from Liam Miller that stood out on the night.

Chimpanzeethat / YouTube

Of course, two games into the qualification campaign and all looked lost already, after a 1-0 defeat to Germany was followed by a 5-2 defeat to traditional powerhouse Cyprus.

Staunton quickly became a punchline, especially after Ireland could only eke out a 2-1 win in San Marino in one of the bleakest victories in the history of Irish football.

sp1873 / YouTube

Ultimately, Staunton’s time in charge was unsuccessful but for one brief moment in 2006, it looked like it could be a success.

Happy birthday, Stan!

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