Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni believes the stunning 4-0 win over Estonia in the first leg of the Euro 2012 qualifying play-off last night demonstrated the progress his players have made in recent times.
Ireland stand on the verge of qualifying for the tournament in the Poland and Ukraine after a comprehensive success over their hosts, demonstrating great attacking quality, a feature often lacking under the Italian.
He said: "We came into the situation where players didn't answer the call to join the squad. They understood how serious we were and we called them up on merit. We brought in 10 or 12 young players and showed mentality and character.
"After the Carling Nations tournament and the Italy and Macedonia matches, we decided this (attacking) approach. Years ago maybe not, now we can be confident.
"I told you yesterday that many time I have been at the end of the cliff. Matches like this are what I call top level matches. But achieving one objective is not important. We must focus on what comes next and the future. I do not look back."
The Aviva Stadium will host the second leg on Tuesday on what is
likely to be a celebratory night with the Republic on the verge of
qualification.
Trapattoni is looking forward to trying to seal a place in Euro 2012.
"The fans pay the tickets and it's a great sacrifice. We deserve to
celebrate this result.
"We must be proud. All the players called up must be proud. The
players answered us and when you call the players sometimes they didn't answers. Now they all do and they all believe."
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