Speculation mounts on Martin O'Neill Ireland appointment

Speculation is mounting that Martin O'Neill could soon be unveiled as the new Ireland manager.

A number of bookmakers have suspended betting on the next Irish boss after a flurry of bets saw O’Neill backed off the market.

There are also reports this evening that Roy Keane is  prepared to come on board as assistant to O'Neill.

It's reported that the FAI recruitment team of Ray Houghton and Ruud Dokter will present their report to the Football Association of Ireland early next week.

County Derry born O'Neill has been out of work since departing the Stadium of Light in March and has previously managed Celtic and Aston Villa.

Speculation linking Mick McCarthy with a return to the job he held for six years appears to have cooled.

Ipswich Town confirmed on Thursday that they have received no approach from the FAI for his services.

Trapattoni's Ireland reign comes to an end

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni and assistant Marco Tardelli have had their contracts with the Football Association of Ireland ended by mutual consent.

The Italian duo’s departure came after what the FAI described as an “amicable” meeting this morning.

Ireland suffered their second successive defeat in Vienna last night.

“I want to thank everyone in Ireland who has given us their support during our time here which has always meant a lot to us,” Trapattoni said :

"We leave this country with emotion because we understand the Irish supporters who have a well-deserved international reputation and they have our utmost respect."

"I would also thank all FAI staff members, including the backroom team and the players, who have been great to work with during the last three campaigns.

"I wish them well in the future and hope that the job we have done leaves everything in a good place for my successor to take over."

Delaney acknowledged that the current World Cup qualifying campaign had been unsatisfactory, but highlighted the earlier achievements of the veteran Italian manager.

“We thank Giovanni Trapattoni, Marco Tardelli and  Fausto Rossi for the last five and a half years during which we qualified for our first major tournament in ten years and were close to qualification for 2010 World Cup in South Africa after the play-off in France,” the FAI supremo said.

“This particular World Cup campaign has been disappointing, but Giovanni leaves us with a group of good young players which should form the basis of the squad that the new manager will use for the European Championships in France 2016 when 24 teams qualify.”

The FAI acted quickly in the aftermath of the defeat in Vienna, cancelling a scheduled Trapattoni news conference in Dublin this afternoon and the board says it will meet in due course to consider a replacement.

Richard Dunne returns as Trapattoni names Ireland squad

Richard Dunne has been included in the provisional Ireland squad for the crucial World Cup double header with Sweden and Austria next month.

Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni watched yesterday as Dunne helped his new club QPR to a 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

Dunne, who enjoyed a solid pre-season, played the full 90 minutes for QPR and showed no sign of the groin problems that caused him to miss all of last season.

Former Bohemians striker Paddy Madden retains his place in the set-up after making his international debut in a friendly with Wales in Cardiff earlier in the month.

Paddy Madden, Robbie Keane, Conor Sammon, Jon Walters, Simon Cox and Shane Long are named in the squad up front.

Looking forward to the games, the Ireland manager said: "We have reached the most important part of our qualifying campaign. The team performed very well against both Sweden and Austria back in March. We will look to emulate both performances, and build towards producing two positive results."

He continued: "Sweden and Austria are two very strong teams, and the qualifying table proves this. However, I believe these players have the mentality, attitude and composure to work together and get the points we need in order to qualify. We will prepare for both games next week and focus on the task facing us."

Ireland World Cup qualifier squad: Forde, Westwood, Randolph, O’Shea, O’Brien, St Ledger, Wilson, Coleman, Kelly, O’Dea, Clark, Dunne, McShane, Whelan, McCarthy,Green, Hendrick, McGeady, Pilkington, McClean,Brady, Meyler, Hoolahan, Long, Keane, Sammon, Walters, Madden, Cox.

Trapattoni names starting 11 for Wales clash.

Giovanni Trapattoni has named his starting eleven for tomorrow night's friendly international against Wales in Cardiff.

Instead of the Italian's favoured 4-4-2 formation, Trap has opted for 4-5-1 with Shane Long as the lone frontman and Wes Hoolahan playing in a deeper role behind the target man.

At the back, Keiren Westwood starts in place of the injured David Forde in goal, and he will play behind a back four of Seamus Coleman, Ciaran Clarke, John O'Shea and Marc Wilson.

QPR's Richard Dunne has not been included in the squad as he attempts to regain full fitness.

Trapattoni looks set to continue with playing Jonathan Walters out on the wing, with James McCarthy and Glenn Whelan in the centre, and Robbie Brady getting the nod ahead of James McClean.

spirited Ireland go down to world champions

Spain defeated Ireland 2-0 in a friendly international at Yankee Stadium New York early this morning.

As expected the reigning World and European champions controlled the majority of possession early in the game but an Ireland team missing six first team regulars, defended well and grew into the game as it progressed.

Pedro went close just before half-time, after showing excellent skill in the box to create space for a shot, but his rasping effort came back off the underside of the bar.

Conor Sammon had Ireland’s best chance in the first half, when after stealing possession from the Spanish defender he shot wide from a tight angle inside the box.

Spain continued to press the Irish defence after the break, but struggled to create many clear-cut goal scoring opportunities, while Ireland’s defence remained solid, determined and focused.

The pressure however eventually told on 69 minutes though when Soldado swivelled and shot into the bottom left hand corner after the ball broke to him in the box.

There was further disappointment for Ireland after 80 minutes when Sean St Ledger had the ball in the Spanish net, only to see it disallowed for offside.James McClean also had a great strike saved by Iker Casillas following a typically strong run.

Spain grabbed a late second on 88 minutes when Juan Mata shot past Ireland sub keeper Darren Randolph.

Overall a gutsy, organised performance from an understrength Ireland against the World Champions, and plenty for Trapattoni to build on for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria in September.

Trapattoni names eleven to face Spain

Giovanni Trapattoni has named his starting eleven for tomorrow night's clash with world champions Spain at Yankee Stadium in New York.

Connor Sammon will partner Robbie Keane in attack.
 
Everton's Seamus Coleman moves into midfield for the New York clash with Paul McShane slotting into the back four alongside Sean St Ledger, Darren O'Dea and Stephen Kelly.

Coleman will start on the right side of midfield with Jeff Hendrick making his first start for Ireland in the centre of the park. James McCarthy returns from suspension to partner Hendrick, while Andy Keogh makes up the midfield four.

The inclusion of Andy Keogh on the left wing looks like another of Trapattoni's bizarre selections, with winger James McClean missing out again to a player not associated with the left wing.

Keane Hat-Trick secures World Cup qualifying win

Ireland captain Robbie Keane celebrated his record breaking 126th international cap with a hat-trick as Ireland defeated the Faroe Islands 3-0 in a Group C World Cup qualifier in Dublin.

The LA Galaxy striker opened the scoring after five minutes following some excellent build-up play by Wes Hoolahan and Aiden McGeady, before adding his second in the 55th minute, getting on the end of a Seamus Coleman cross.

And the third goal arrived nine minutes from time as Keane rounded off a fine man of the match performance with a neat finish following an exquisite pass from substitute Conor Sammon.

Giovanni Trapattoni labelled Robbie Keane the best Irish player he has seen in 30 years after the striker's hat-trick earned Ireland a World Cup qualifying victory over the Faroe Islands.

He said: "I particularly wish to congratulate our captain because for 30 years, I have known the Irish team and the Irish players and for me, he is the best Irish player I have known in 30 years.

"I wish to congratulate him because he scored. At the moment, he is in good form, but I repeat what I said yesterday, he is also one of the best players in Europe."

Trapattoni and his players head for New York tomorrow for Tuesday's friendly against Spain, although Shane Long and McGeady will not be travelling because both are to be married, while Marc Wilson is due to have surgery to remove a metal plate from his leg.

Keane at the double as Ireland defeat Georgia

Robbie Keane celebrated his record-equalling 125th cap with two goals as Ireland ran out easy 4-0 winners over Georgia.

The game turned in the 20th minute when Georgia had goalkeeper Giorgi Loria sent off for bringing down Shane Long after he was sold short by a backpass, and from there on Ireland had it relatively easy as they prepare for next Friday's World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands.

Keane came on as a substitute at half-time to move level with Shay Given on 125 caps, and he soon added his 55th and 56th international goals, adding to strikes from Richard Keogh - his first for Ireland - and Simon Cox.

"Of course it's always nice to score goals as a striker," Keane told Sky Sports. "It's very important for the confidence.

"I felt a bit sorry for them with the red card, it was a shame and it killed the tempo of the game.
"We wanted a bit of a test before next week's game but it gives us confidence."

Asked about the caps milestone, he added: "If you asked me 10 years ago would I get this many caps, I'd say you were crazy."

"I'm obviously delighted and it’s something I can look back on in years to come but at the moment I just hope to get a few more."

With Keane starting among the substitutes, Shane Long captained the side for the first time as he is suspended for Friday's qualifier.

"It's an unbelievable honour," he said. "At half-time I offered Robbie the band but he said, 'No, it's your night, you keep it'. I'm delighted, it's a big honour and it's nice to get a win.

"It would have been nice to get a goal as well but that's the way it goes."

Long will now leave the Irish camp due to his suspension.

"It's a shame," he added. "I would really like to play alongside Robbie next week but I managed to pick up two yellow cards so I'm going to miss it and instead I'm going to get married in a couple of weeks."

Ireland face the Faroe Islands on Friday night and after an encouraging week of friendlies - a 1-1 draw against England at Wembley followed by today's easy win - Keane is eager to make it count.

"If gives you confidence and it's important to win games," he said. "Next week against the Faroes people expect us to win the game and really we should, but to be honest we can't take it too lightly.

"You have to give the teams a lot of respect and do it in the right way on the pitch. Hopefully we get the three points. It's been a very good week for the players but the main game is next week. These two games mean nothing apart from pride."

Trapattoni prepared for England challenge

Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has challenged his Ireland players to prove they are every bit as good as England's in Wednesday night's friendly international at Wembley.

It will be the first meeting between the two countries since the abandoned game in Dublin in 1995.

Trapattoni said: "The players play in England for Stoke and many teams; the England players play for Manchester United, they play for Arsenal.

"But we can show them we are the same - that's very important. That's a stimulation for me, it's very important that they show they are every bit as good."

Trapattoni and and England manager Roy Hodgson are old foes from their days in club management in Italy and bumped into each other at the Champions League final at Wembley on Saturday evening.

However, the Ireland boss was less than sympathetic over his English counterpart's injury troubles.

He said with a smile: "I met him at Wembley. He told me he has doubts about missing some players, but I don't think so.

"He's missing Gerrard - okay; Carroll is also out, but they have a strong team. They have others -  Defoe,  Rooney, Sturridge, Welbeck - it's okay, he has enough offensive players.

"But I have confidence because our team in the last game gave me much trust."

The game will be one of four Ireland will play over the next two and a half weeks with the World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands in Dublin on 7 June by far the most important.

However, a much-anticipated renewal of acquaintances with England and a glamour friendly against world and European champions Spain in New York have their own attraction.

Trapattoni will use the depth of his squad against England as he uses that fixture and Sunday's friendly against Georgia in Dublin to finalise his plans for the Faroe Islands.

However, he knows a positive result against England would do his players little harm.

He said: "I changed countries four times and every country showed me many different situations.

"People pay their money and they want to see a show, but they also want a result. When you play not so well, but you have achieved a result, the supporters are 50 per cent happy; if you play well and lose the game, 51 per cent are not happy."


Irish captain Robbie Keane is not expected to meet up with the rest of his team-mates until tomorrow after club LA Galaxy's game against Seattle Sounders during the early hours of this morning, with Toronto's Darren O'Dea and Spartak Moscow's Aiden McGeady were also expected to be late arrivals.

Solid display in Stockholm by 'The Boys In Green'

Ireland's World Cup qualification hopes received a great boost after a fighting 0-0 draw against Sweden in Stockholm last night.

Giovanni Trapattoni's 'Boys In Green' had the better of the first-half exchanges with Shane Long wasting their best chance, blasting over when he had time and space inside the box.

But the away point, against their main rivals for a play-off place in Group C, sets Ireland up perfectly for Tuesday's home game against Austria in the Aviva stadium.

Manager Trapattoni brought in James McCarthy, originally dropped in favour of Paul Green, after Glenn Whelan failed to recover from an ankle injury.

Ireland threatened early with James McClean and Robbie Keane beating their markers on the left wing, while Shane Long twisted and turned Andreas Granqvist, but blasted over from 16 yards when the goal opened up.

Sweden won a couple of corners, but were generally off the pace around the pitch. However, David Forde - making his competitive debut - was tested by Tobias Hysen's volley midway through the half, and had to be alert as Kim Kallstrom's free kick made its way across a crowded penalty box untouched.

If Ireland's plan was to keep Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the periphery, then it was working, with the temperamental PSG striker dropping deep for some action and looking none too pleased with his team-mates when they failed to deliver the ball to his liking.

Still, the ex-Juventus man almost snuck a goal when his shot from an unlikely angle deflected off Seamus Coleman. Forde was stranded but the ball rolled the right side of the post from Ireland's point of view.

Just before the break, Green, honest and hard-working throughout, went in the book for a late challenge on Alexander Kacaniklic, but the Boys in Green were not allowing the hosts to create in the final third and the majority in the 49,436 in attendance at the Friends Arena began to whistle their frustration.

Long and West Brom team-mate Jonas Olsson were enjoying a private battle, clashing on a number of occasions, as Ireland again began the half brightly.

Even when Clark and Green misplaced passes, Erik Hamren's side couldn't take advantage and Coleman made a magnificent tackle as Ibrahimovic threatened on the edge of the box.
Moments later, Larsson fired wide from 18 yards after another poor clearance by Clark, who was preferred to Sean St Ledger in central defence.

Up the other end, Ireland were struggling to create any clear-cut chances. Captain Keane beat the offside trap but over-hit his cross and then Olsson miscued a clearance but the ball evaded Walters.
With legs tiring, Trapattoni introduced Wes Hoolahan for Keane, Andy Keogh for McClean and Conor Sammon for Long.

Sweden almost claimed what would have been three undeserved points deep into injury time.
The ball dropped for Rasmus Elm is the box, but O'Shea, who was given the Irish man-of-the-match award by the home judge, was on hand to soften the strike and Forde guided it over the bar.
The goalkeeper then caught the resulting corner and with that Ireland had their point, and Trapattoni, who came in for a lot of criticism ahead of the game, had made his.

New faces in Trapattoni squad to face Poland

Giovanni Trapattoni has named his Ireland squad for the Poland international friendly on 6 February at the Aviva Stadium, their last game ahead of the crucial double-header away to Sweden and home to Austria on 22 and 26 March.

New faces include Anthony Pilkington as well as Derby County trio Conor Sammon, Jeff Hendrick and Richard Keogh.

The manager said: "I have decided to use this friendly game as an opportunity to work with younger players to see their potential.

"As a result, I have given senior players like Robbie Keane and Stephen Kelly a break for this fixture.

"We saw a number of strong performances from our younger players in the second half of last year and we intend to build from those strong foundations, using this friendly match to introduce more new talent like Pilkington, Hendrick, Sammon and (Richard) Keogh.

Provisional Ireland squad: Keiren Westwood, David Forde, Stephen Henderson, Ciaran Clark, Darren O’Dea, Paul McShane, Seamus Coleman, Richard Keogh, Richard Dunne*, Greg Cunningham, Stephen Ward, Anthony Pilkington, James McClean, Robbie Brady, Aiden McGeady, Glenn Whelan, James McCarthy, Jeff Hendrick, David Meyler, Wes Hoolahan, Simon Cox, Shane Long, Jon Walters, Andy Keogh, Kevin Doyle

Trapattoni reveals Ireland squad for Greece friendly

Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni had named his squad for the upcoming friendly international against Greece in Dublin later this month.

The Boys In Green take on the Euro 2012 quarter finalists on the 14th Novemeber


Robbie Keane has been left out of the squad, as has striker Shane Long, who is suffering from a hamstring strain. Norwich striker Wes Hoolahan is included, as is Robbie Brady and Ciaran Clark.


Derry duo Shane Duffy and James McClean are also named in the 26 man provisional squad.


Ireland squad


Keiren Westwood - Sunderland AFC

David Forde - Millwall FC

Darren Randolph - Motherwell FC



Shane Duffy - Everton

Seamus Coleman - Everton

Ciaran Clark - Aston Villa

John O’Shea - Sunderland AFC

Darren O’Dea - Toronto FC

Stephen Ward - Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

Stephen Kelly - Fulham FC

Paul McShane - Hull City FC

Damien Delaney - Crystal Palace



Wes Hoolahan - Norwich City

James McClean - Sunderland
James McCarthy - Wigan Athletic FC

Seamus Coleman - Everton FC

Glenn Whelan - Stoke City

Aiden McGeady - Spartak Moscow FC

Andy Keogh - Millwall FC

James McClean - Sunderland FC

Conor Clifford - Chelsea

Keith Fahey - Birmingham City

David Meyler - Sunderland




Kevin Doyle - Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

Simon Cox - Nottingham Forest

Jon Walters- Stoke City FC

Robbie Brady - Manchester United

Trapattoni continues with his premiership tour this weekend

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni will continue with his new premiership tour this weekend when he take's in the game between Stoke and Sunderland at the Britannia Stadium.


This follows on from his visit to Norwich last week to eye-up Wes Hoolahan & Anthony Pilkington in their impressive defeat of Arsenal at Carrow Road.

The Stoke v Sunderland game could feature up to seven potential members of the squad for next month's friendly with Greece at the Aviva Stadium.


Potters boss Tony Pulis will  likely start with Marc Wilson and Jonathan Walters, who both impressed in the comfortable win over the Faroes, while Glenn Whelan will be involved if he shakes off his hamstring problem.

John O'Shea and McClean are regular starters for the Black Cats, while midfielder David Meyler, who has broken into Trapattoni's plans in recent months, might be brought off the bench at some stage.

Ireland's first-choice goalkeeper Keiren Westwood may need Simon Mignolet to suffer some kind of misfortune if he is to get the chance to impress O'Neill and nail-down a a regular Sunderland starting birth.

It will be interesting when the Ireland squad is announced for the Greece friendly next wednesday, if Trapattoni's sudden ability to watch players on a regular club basis will have any bearing on his squad selection.
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Trap not for the sack

The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed that Giovanni Trapattoni will stay on as Ireland manager.

The association released a statement this evening confirming that the Italian would continue in his current role.

The FAI statement read: "While disappointed like everyone with the poor result and performance against Germany and understanding the frustration of some of our supporters, we believe the currnet position in the group means that qualification for Brazil in 2014 remains a realistic and achievable prospect"

"We reaffirm that Giovanni Trapattoni is to remain in charge of the national team."

The statement ended "The Board recognises the depth of feeling surrounding the team, the performances, the results and the manager, reflecting the passion which everyone in Irish football has for the game and will continue to work closely with the manager."

The 73 year old Italian’s position has come under severe pressure following a disappointing run of results and performances from the European Championships, where the team lost all three games, to a 6-1 hammering at the hands of Germany on Friday night.

Trapattoni names starting 11 for Oman

Giovanni Trapattoni has named his starting eleven for tomorrow night's friendly international against Oman at Craven Cottage.

Kevin Doyle will captain Ireland for only the second time in his career in what is an experimental side, with a number of fringe & new players being given the opportunity to impress the Irish boss.

Manchester United's Robbie Brady & Sunderland's David Meyler will both make their international debuts. However there is no place for Sunderland's James McClean in the starting team.



David Forde - Millwall

Seamus Coleman - Everton
Stephen Kelly - Fulham
Paul McShane - Hull City
Marc Wilson - Stoke City

David Meyler - Sunderland
James McCarthy - Wigan Athletic
Robbie Brady - Manchester United
Andy Keogh - Millwall

Kevin Doyle - Wolves
Shane Long - West Brom

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Trapattoni names Ireland 11 for Kazakhstan opener

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has named his starting eleven for tomorrow's World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan

Trap has named a back four of John O'Shea, Darren O'Dea, Sean St Ledger and Stephen Ward will line up in front of Sunderland keeper Keiren Westwood.

Wigan's James McCarthy starts in a four-man midfield that also contains Aiden McGeady, Simon Cox, and Glenn Whelan, while Jon Walters gets the nod ahead of Kevin Doyle to partner Robbie Keane up front.

Ireland starting 11 v Kazakhstan - Westwood, O'Shea, St. Ledger, O'Dea, Ward, Whelan, McCarthy, McGeady, Cox, Walters, Keane

Trapattoni names 23 man squad for Serbia friendly

Giovanni Trapattoni has announced his squad for the upcoming friendly against Serbia.

Skipper Robbie Keane, keeper Shay Given, central defender Richard Dunne and midfielder Stephen Hunt have been left out of the squad for next month's friendly clash with Serbia in Belgrade.

Stoke's Marc Wilson, Everton's Seamus Coleman and Wigan midfielder James McCarthy all come into the squad.

Ireland squad: Keiren Westwood (Sunderland), David Forde (Millwall), Darren Randolph (Motherwell), Marc Wilson (Stoke), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Sean St Ledger (Leicester), Darren O'Dea (Unattached), Stephen Ward (Wolves), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Paul McShane (Hull), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Darron Gibson (Everton), James McCarthy (Wigan), Paul Green (Leeds), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Andy Keogh (Millwall), James McClean (Sunderland), Keith Treacy (Burnley), Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Shane Long and Simon Cox (both West Brom), Jon Walters (Stoke).

James McClean already focused on Irish World Cup qualifying campaign

Ireland international James McClean is already focused on Ireland's upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign and is hoping that Giovanni Trapattoni gives him the game time so he can show some of the excellent form witnessed at club level last season.

The Derry born winger saw only 14 minutes of competitive action for Ireland in the European Championships but is keen to claim a starting berth in the qualifiers which starts away to Kazakhstan in September.

Many were surprised that McClean played such a peripheral role during the Euro finals and it is hoped that after such a poor performance by the Irish team in Poland that Trapattoni will realise that changes are required if the team is to progress to the World Cup finals in Brazil in 2014.

The Ireland friendly away to Serbia in August will be an interesting guide to see if Trap is prepared to change his rigid selection policy and start young, talented prospects like James McClean and Wigan's James McCarthy.

“We have to do our best to qualify,” McClean said. “Germany are flying at the minute and Sweden are a tough side but there are other good teams there also and we know it’s not going to be easy.

“But we have to take confidence into it and believe that we can qualify. The World Cup is the biggest stage in the world and you can show what you can do. I want to be there with Ireland.

“It was great to get my competitive debut against Spain but on a personal level I was disappointed not to get more playing time,” he added. “I always thought I would get a run-out at some stage.

“I was disappointed when I didn’t get the start against Spain because, just like any player, you want to play as many minutes as possible.

“When the manager told me I was coming on during the Spain match it was obviously exciting, but it was no surprise that he didn’t make changes because he said that he was going to use the players that had got Ireland there.

“It was disappointing but understandable that he stuck with the players.

“Hopefully as we go on I can get more playing time and repay the confidence they’ve shown in me,” he concluded.

Gibson's Everton move crucial for Ireland future

Darron Gibson's move to Everton has helped to bolster his international credentials, according to Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni.

The 24-year-old Derryman impressed his experienced Italian manager as he shone during Ireland’s 1-0 Euro 2012 warm-up win over Bosnia last Saturday.

And Trapattoni believes the opportunity to play consistently at a top half Premiership club like Everton has transformed the midfielder’s prospects, after his career was in danger of going stale at Manchester United.

Gibson made 15 midfield appearances for David Moyes’ side after joining in January from Old Trafford, and is set to be rewarded with more playing time during next month’s European Championship finals in Poland.

“I think the change of club has been very important for him,” said Trapattoni (above) after former Toffees target Shane Long had sealed victory for 'The Boys In Green'.

“Darron Gibson has other qualities and I complimented him on his performance against Bosnia. That is the Gibson I wish to have.”

Trapattoni also told reporters after the game that he was impressed by Gibson’s vision, and growing maturity in the central midfield role, where he was increasingly effective for the Blues as they surged up the Premier League table in the second half of the season.

Gibson is poised to push Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews for a central midfield starting place, and his 90 mins against Bosnia is likely to increase that possibility.

Trapattoni names Ireland team for Bosnia clash

Giovanni Trapattoni has named his starting eleven for tomorrow's Euro 2012 warm up game against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Lansdowne Road Dublin.



The team includes a start for Derry winger James McClean, while as expected, Keiren Westwood steps in for the injured Shay Given.





Darron Gibson And Glenn Whelan make up the central midfield pairing while Kevin Doyle will parner Robbie Keane up front.


Keiren Westwood

Paul McShane
Richard Dunne
Sean St. Ledger
Stephen Ward

Damien Duff
Darron Gibson
Glenn Whelan
James McClean

Robbie Keane
Kevin Doyle


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