The Republic legend was one of 160 former Ireland greats gathered in Dublin and involved in a special reunion dinner commemorating those who have played their part in Irish football history.

The players will also conduct a walk around the Croke Park pitch tonight ahead of Ireland's crucial qualifier against Wales.

It is a must-win match for both countries given their respective perilous positions in Group D, topped by Germany and the Czech Republic.

A humiliating 5-2 defeat to Cyprus in October resulted in Staunton initially coming under fire, with his position further undermined by last month's narrow escape in San Marino.

There is little margin for error for Staunton now, however, Brady feels he has virtually no chance of leading Ireland to the finals in Switzerland and Austria next month.

"It's a precarious position," Brady told PA Sport.

"To be honest, I don't think we've any chance of qualifying, maybe an outside one, and certainly more of a chance than Wales.

"But we got off to an indifferent start and that obviously did not help.

"I just hope Staunton can rescue the situation and give the team the confidence to go into the World Cup."

Even if Staunton does fail, Brady feels the 38-year-old has been unnecessarily pilloried in recent months.

"The criticism he has so far attracted has been unjustified, but then that's the world we live in," said Brady, who scored nine goals in 72 appearances for Ireland between 1974 and 1989.

"If you are a manager, it's crazy. You are either a magician or a clown. There's no in-between."

Brady is at least hoping Staunton can galvanise his players to victory against the Welsh as soccer makes its debut at Croke Park, a venue that has long been the domain of the GAA.

Brady, who often watched Dublin's Gaelic football team play at the ground, added: "I'm glad it's happening, and I want to thank the GAA for making it happen.

"The majority of the country wanted it to happen, but they had to make the decision, and I think they've made the right decision.

"The rugby boys have gone in there and done the stadium proud, and now it's up to the soccer boys to do the same. Hopefully they can."