Staunton celebrates victory over Holland (Allsport).

Position: Defender
Born: 19.01.69
Club: Aston Villa

Experienced defender who seems to have been around for ever.

Was still only a youngster when he broke into the all-conquering Liverpool team of the late 80s.

Quickly made a name for himself as a top-class left-back at club and international level.

Has since also proved he can play equally well at centre-half or midfield in a glittering career.

Was surprisingly allowed to leave Anfield in 1992, and was quickly snapped up by Ron Atkinson at Villa.

Helped the Birmingham club finish second to Manchester United in the first ever Premiership season, and to beat that same club in the following season's League Cup final.

Has a wonderful left foot, stacks of big-game experience and is now approaching 100 international caps.

Despite being into his 30s he's still capable of living at the highest level.

He was particularly brilliant at the heart of the defence as the 10-man Republic repelled Ruud van Nistelrooy and Holland to win last September's qualifier in Dublin.

Played in both the 1990 and 1994 World Cup finals tournaments, and will be hoping to make it a hat-trick in the Far East.

Moved back to Liverpool from Villa after seven seasons, but his second spell at Anfield wasn't a successful one.

Later rejoined Villa, and isn't a first-choice starter when everybody is fit.

That's a situation that amazes Republic boss Mick McCarthy, who still rates 'Stan' highly.