Robson fears for England but says Mac must get more time

Sir Bobby Robson is preparing to say farewell to the front-line work in the game on Saturday and, after overseeing his final training session at the Millennium Stadium, his thoughts were dominated by Wales v the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff this afternoon and the managerless Irish side's final game in what has been a wretched campaign for both countries.

Not that it was the only thing on the 74-year-old's mind as we met pitchside while the players finished their session with shooting practice yesterday lunchtime.

The ex-Newcastle manager has recently visited his former club, as well as Sunderland and Middlesbrough, all near his County Durham home. He has also been in touch with Steve McClaren this week. 'I feel for him,' said Robson. Enough said.

Robson has been through the same discomfort as the current England boss after his team failed to qualify for the 1984 European Championship. Although he went on to guide his country to World Cup semiand quarter-finals, the knives were out for him in 1983. He hopes McClaren is also given time.

'The England job is a four-year job,' he said. 'He should be given that time. That is what should happen. You go from one World Cup to another World Cup, with the European Championship in between.

'Let nature run its course and let's see what happens, but let's hope on Wednesday night England are playing Croatia to stay in the competition. I am praying fervently that Steve McClaren has that opportunity.'

While Robson's attention will turn to Russia's game in Israel tonight, there is no doubt what has been preoccupying the grand old man of football this week. And if he is allowed to be self-indulgent for once, who can blame him?

The shrill whistle from caretaker manager Don Givens' assistant, Paul Clement, which echoed round the vast empty stands of the Millennium Stadium yesterday may have signalled the end of a routine Irish training session, but it is likely to mark the end of another chapter for Robson, who has been international football consultant with the FAI for less than two years.

The plan was for the former England boss to use his expertise from more than 50 years as player and manager to guide Steve Staunton through his first managerial role. But now Staunton has gone and Robson will follow suit after today's game.

Clement, a youth team coach from Chelsea, has relished his first involvement with the senior squad and has bounced around four different Welsh grounds this week with the kind of enthusiasm expected from a young coach. Robson could only look on in envy.

Robson was still wearing a tracksuit and boots when Freddy Shepherd sacked him at Newcastle, but his days on the pitch, and alongside Staunton, have been limited by health problems, most notably brain surgery to remove a small tumour.

Givens said: 'We trained at Ninian Park on Thursday and it was absolutely freezing. I thought Bobby would be better off not going, but he wouldn't hear of it and there was no way I could stop him.

'It was a shame and unfortunate for Stan (Staunton) that Bobby had his health problems because he was probably less help. He has been here for a few days. He still has unbelievable enthusiasm for football and is so knowledgeable it is a lesson listening to the man.'

Robson has largely been confined to a pitchside seat at training, but has remained a welcome and vital addition to the Ireland camp, shifting salt and pepper pots and bottles of water in his conversations and demonstrations with players, management and the media with his characteristic intensity.

As the players headed to the dressing room yesterday, he walked to the halfway line, took in the stadium view and slowly headed back to the touchline. 'I've still got my knowledge and enthusiasm, but the chances are I'll never get back on to the pitch again,' he said.