Bobby Robson well after lung damage operation

DUBLIN, Apr 10 (Reuters) Ireland's national football adviser and ex-England manager, Bobby Robson, was recuperating today after successful surgery to repair lung damage sustained in a skiing accident, Irish soccer authorities said.

''The operation was very successful and it is expected that Sir Bobby will spend a short time recuperating,'' the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said in a statement.

''Speaking from Newcastle, Sir Bobby said that he was feeling well and looking forward to getting back to work with Stephen Staunton and the squad as soon as possible.'' Robson, who as well as coaching England from 1982 to 1990 has also managed PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona and Newcastle United, was appointed Ireland's international football consultant in January to act as mentor to the national team's new manager, Staunton.

''The Football Association of Ireland have confirmed that Sir Bobby is still hopeful of travelling to Portugal as part of the senior international squad's training camp in May,'' the FAI said.

Robson underwent a small operation on Saturday to repair damage to his lung resulting from a rib injury caused by a fall while skiing in February, the association added.

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