Bobby Robson recovering well after brain op

DUBLIN, Sep 4 (Reuters) Former England manager Bobby Robson said he was in great form today after suffering temporary loss of movement in his left leg and left arm following surgery to remove a brain tumour.

''Obviously I need to continue to listen to the doctors but I've been making real progress,'' he said in a statement released by the Football Association of Ireland.

''I can't wait to get back to football with Stephen (Staunton) and the boys as soon as I can.'' He underwent surgery last week.

Robson, now Ireland's international soccer consultant, said he had spoken to both Ireland coach Staunton and FAI Chief Executive John Delaney today.

He also praised Ireland's performance in their 1-0 defeat by Germany during a Euro 2008 qualifying match on Saturday when Staunton was sent off the touchline by the referee.

''We should be proud of the performance,'' Robson said. ''The sending off was one of those things which can happen in a football game and Stephen will learn from it.'' REUTERS DH PM0023