The end of the international road for Staunton (Allsport)
IRISH DUO QUITS INTERNATIONAL SCENE
By PA Sport Staff
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Steve Staunton and Niall Quinn have announced their retirement from international football.
Both men revealed the decision following the Republic of Ireland's penalty shoot-out defeat to Spain in Suwon.
Aston Villa defender Staunton won his 102nd cap for his country, but came off early in the second half with an injury.
The 33-year-old, who made his international debut against Tunisia in October 1988,
captained his country during this tournament and is also the only man to have
played in every World Cup finals match for Ireland.
"I'm going to hang up my boots on this scene," Staunton told RTE
Television.
"There's enough here for Mick (McCarthy) to work with and I don't think my
knee could handle a few more years of this to be honest."
When asked was there any chance of a change of heart, he said: "I don't think
so to be honest, but I can't say that I definitely won't change my mind."
Quinn said: "I'm going out on just the right note. You might think this is a
low note to go out on, but I've seen what this team is capable of and I think
there are really exciting times ahead.
"The days of Ireland just being happy qualifying for competitions are over
and we will be a presence at competitions.
"I'm just looking forward to wrapping myself in a tricolour and going to
watch this team with my family."
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