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There was the feeling Robson, previously a manager with prestigious clubs such as Barcelona, Newcastle, PSV Eindhoven and Porto, would not take kindly to being ordered around by a man 35 years his junior.
But Robson has threw himself into his job with typical vigour, causing Staunton to comment: 'For an older gentleman, he has been a breath of fresh air.'
Staunton is adamant that, after working closely over the last few weeks with the 72-year-old, Ireland will undoubtedly benefit.
'He is so enthusiastic, it's unbelievable. His enthusiasm covers everything that is related to the game, from the players, to handling the media, to working with the clubs - everything.'
'Speaking on his behalf, I can say he is loving every minute of it, simply because he is involved in football again. It ties in with his lifestyle, and he has that buzz about him. He probably thought at 72 he might not get another chance, although he was offered other jobs in England.'
Robson will undoubtedly prove a great mentor and ally for Staunton, the Republic's most-capped player with 102 appearances, yet a rookie in managerial terms.
The Drogheda-born former defender can claim to have learnt from several great names, including Kenny Dalglish, Ron Atkinson and Jack Charlton and can add Robson to that list, with the 72-year-old seemingly intent on ensuring Staunton becomes one of those great names in his own right.
Stuanton added: 'I have played under some great managers, and I think I've picked up a few things along the way - good and bad. From all of them I think I've learned what to do, and what not to do because the key to it is that no-one is always right.'
'You are never going to get it right all the time, nobody has and nobody will. You just hope that for 80 to 85% of the time you are on the right track.'
'Obviously, different people have their own ideas. I know I am quite strong-minded in my views and thoughts on what I want and how I see things.'
'However, you don't know how you will react in a situation until you are drawn into it. All I can hope for is that my character will then come through and I have enough about me to do the right things at the right time.'