IN a World Cup not short of surprises, it's reassuring to know that Alan Hansen is around.

Ron Atkinson revealed yesterday that the 'grumpy' Steve Staunton had acquired the inventive nickname Mr Grumpy at Aston Villa many years ago, but surely it applies better to the BBC pundit.

At half-time during the high-scoring thriller between the United States and Portugal Hansen looked genuinely pained when Gary Lineker asked him for his verdict.

"Please go to someone else first, Gary," he replied. "I don't feel that great."

But by the highlights programme in the evening it became clear he was feeling much happier, even enjoying a giggle when it was pointed out that Ireland were regularly leaving just two players back as they sought an equaliser against Germany.

"I'm a changed man now, I love that sort of stuff," he smiled. But I have a feeling that that the man who described Liverpool's epic 5-4 Uefa Cup final win over Alavez as the "worst game ever" is not for changing.

My only disappointment in seeing Ireland move closer to the second round is that it will extend Mick McCarthy's absence from the BBC studio.

With his gritty Yorkshire accent and no-nonsense views he is excellent entertainment as a pundit.