Ireland Manager Giovanni Trapattoni wants to send his squad on holiday with a spring in their step by topping their World Cup qualifying group over the summer months.
The Irish can leapfrog world champions Italy with victory over Bulgaria in Sofia on Saturday and, despite the trip coming at the end of a long domestic season, Trapattoni feels his side are capable of maintaining their unbeaten run in Group Eight.
Ireland secured a confident 1-1 friendly draw with Nigeria at Craven Cottage last Friday night and Trapattoni wants one final push from his players.
"Why not, After the game with Nigeria we showed we can play well and with confidence," he said. "The players have played well in qualifying and they will get stronger. I have confidence in them."
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane sat out training on Tuesday with a foot problem, but Trapattoni is certain he will be fit for the weekend qualifier.
"It was just as a precaution, he has some inflammation under his foot, it's nothing serious and he will be fine for Saturday," he added.
No comments:
Post a Comment