Republic motivated by comments

Republic of Ireland v Germany
Croke Park
Saturday, 13 October
Kick-off: 1945 BST
Coverage on BBC Radio 5live & the BBC Sport website

Steve Staunton has used alleged comments by German Football officials to try and fire up his players ahead of Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier.

The Republic of Ireland boss claimed a "very high-up" delegation derided his team, Croke Park and the Irish fans after the game against Wales in March.

However, it has been revealed that the delegation was three little-known German Football Federation officials.

"We will use that to motivate the players," insisted Staunton.

The German officials at the centre of the controversy were DFB head of ticketing Katja Sichtig, head of events Peter Radziwill and security chief Martin Spitzl.

Staunton claimed that Irish players and supporters would have been annoyed by the Germans' comments.

"They weren't very complimentary about Croke Park, about the crowd and the atmosphere in the ground not being very good, or about our chances," said the Republic manager.

"They said the pitch was too far away from the supporters and the fans did not have an effect on the team.

"If they had been there for the Slovakia game then they might have come away with a different attitude."

When asked who made the accusations, Staunton replied: "I'm not going to name names, but it was a German delegation, very high up."

Despite Staunton's apparent annoyance, there was a widespread perception of a subdued atmosphere at Croke Park during the game against Wales in March as the Republic struggled to claim a 1-0 win.

The atmosphere against the Slovaks was vastly different, notably because it was an evening kick-off for which Irish fans are always more vocal and fervent and Staunton is pleased that Saturday's game is a 1945 BST start.

"It certainly helps it's a night-time game. It always does. There is a special atmosphere, a different feel about it. Anybody will tell you that."

It is a game the Republic have to win if they are to keep alive their threadbare hopes of qualification.

They have to win their remaining three matches, whilst at the same time hoping the Czech Republic fail to acquire the three points they need from their final trio of games to claim the runners-up spot.

Unbeaten Germany, who have dropped just two points from their eight matches, need only a draw to guarantee their place in the finals in Switzerland and Austria next year.

Source: BBC Sport