However, looking at it objectively, there is quite a bit to be worried about. It was an abject performance with very few positives. There were some mitigating circumstances though. We all know it wasn't Staunton's decision to play a team as capable as Holland and the Dutch also didn't have to contend with the absences Ireland had.

That is a worry long-term as Holland have plenty of players abroad yet they were prepared to be there for that first friendly match of the season. You always see so many Irish cry-offs for these games and it does demoralise the rest of the squad. However, it's not something Staunton can do much about.

The real concern, as regards his managerial capabilities, is why we set up with such a strange formation at the beginning of the match . . . with Kevin Kilbane much further up the field than he's used to and Stephen Elliott almost playing in midfield. It looked like we were trying to combat the way the Dutch play. But sometimes what you know is the best policy. Experimenting is all very well at the right times but we don't have the sort of quality players that can easily adapt to a new position. The best thing you can do with players of Holland's level is to deny them space on the ball but the formation we put out gave them an abundance of it. Staunton got off to an excellent start playing 4-4-2 against Sweden so let's stick to what we know.

We're not as skilful as some of the teams we're going to come up against in the European Championship or World Cup qualifiers so we've got to be effective in other ways. The frightening thing on Wednesday was that elements that got us results in the past were lacking.

Another worry was defending at set pieces, which was non-existent. It was kids' stuff that Robin van Persie could roll the ball to Arjen Robben for the free-kick in the first half. Even before the first goal, Klaas Jan Huntelaar was left totally free at the far post and would have scored but for a good block by Andy O'Brien. We didn't heed the warning signs though. That's something Staunton has to put right because everyone knows set pieces, for and against, can make a huge difference at the end of the group.

Attacking at set pieces was one of the particularly poor elements of Brian Kerr's tenure, and Staunton seems to have the same problem, only when it comes to defending them. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to put right and it should be one of his priorities before the German game.

The understanding among the back four also needs a lot of work. I couldn't tell whether we were set up to play offside or not. Single members were deciding to step up with no consideration for the rest of the defence, as happened with Steve Finnan for the third goal and O'Brien for the fourth. You can't have that. If we're going to play offside then the back four has to be in unison. That system has to be set up so the defence is confident with it. In that context, Richard Dunne will hopefully help the situation but, again, it's not difficult to put right.

Finally, the distinct lack of enthusiasm among certain players was also striking. Whether that was because we had so many cry-offs or because the players there didn't feel they should be playing a friendly three days before the start of the new Premiership season, that's a worry and probably the most difficult aspect of Staunton's job. Stephen Carr, for example. Does he really want to play international football any more? He looks to me as if he just sees it as a chore now.

There was one occasion when Holland got down his side with some neat passing and he just gave up the ghost, didn't even bother to chase back.

If he's not going to come and play for his country, enjoy himself and give his all then he may as well not come at all.

The only plus I would take out of the game was the performance of Kevin Doyle (left).

Compared to Clinton Morrison, I'd have him in every time. With him up front, and our big players coming back, we have a good first 11.

While their presence is out of Staunton's control, everything else I've mentioned . . . putting players in a 4-4-2 formation, the organisation at set pieces and the policy of offside at the back . . . can be easily rectified with a bit of work. If we do that, I see no reason to be going into the Germany game with such trepidation.

If you play well with spirit and organisation there's still the possibility we can get a result there. They are by no means unbeatable . . . although they did have a very good World Cup . . . and we've shown in the past we can be a match for these teams when things are going right.

Staunton certainly has a difficult job to put us on the right track but that's what he's there for and that's what he's going to be judged on . . . competition. We had a situation with Kerr where we were great in friendlies but very poor in competitive matches. Friendlies are there to learn from. If we're all sensible, we'll give Staunton the opportunity to see what he does in the group before we make any real calls on whether he's the right choice.