James McClean delighted with Ireland performance

Ireland midfielder James McClean hailed a professional performance from his Ireland team-mates after contributing 2 goals in their 7- 0 rout of Euro 2016 qualifying opponents Gibraltar in Dublin yesterday.

Robbie Keane scored a hat-trick inside 12 first-half minutes - including the opener after just six minutes - to give the home side a decisive lead in the Aviva Stadium and take his individual tally in international football to 65.

Derry born Wigan winger McClean then got in on the act after the break, scoring either side of goalkeeper Jordan Perez's own goal, and Wes Hoolahan completed the rout with a 56th-minute effort to make it two wins out of two for the Irish in Group D.

McClean told Sky Sports: "We did a professional job, we prepared the right way. It was important to get the early goal and settle everyone down.

"The goals meant everything. Playing for my country is the greatest privilege in football and to score goals, my first home goals as well, it's something that will be with me forever. Hopefully I can push on from that and get a few more.''

Martin O'Neill's men now take their qualifying campaign to Gelsenkirchen and a meeting with world champions Germany on Tuesday night, and McClean knows the importance of having two wins under their belt ahead of that match.

"We've got six points on the board and from the start that was our objective going into Germany," added McClean.

"We're under no illusions that's going to be a really tough ask, but hopefully we can go there and get at least a point.''

Noel King announces final 23 man Ireland squad

Noel King today announced his final 23 man Ireland squad to face Germany and Kazakhstan.

Newcastle’s Rob Elliot receives his first senior call up & Paul Mc Shane, Stephen Quinn and Paul Green are on standby.

David Forde	Millwall FC
Keiren Westwood	Sunderland AFC
Rob Elliot	Newcastle FC
Damien Delaney	Crystal Palace FC
Joey O’Brien	West Ham FC
Sean St Ledger	Leicester City FC
Marc Wilson	Stoke City FC
Seamus Coleman	Everton FC
Stephen Kelly	Reading FC
Ciaran Clark	Aston Villa FC
Darron Gibson	Everton FC
Glenn Whelan	Stoke City FC
James McCarthy	Everton FC
Andy Reid	Nottingham Forest FC
Aiden McGeady	Spartak Moscow FC
Anthony Pilkington	Norwich City FC
James McClean	Wigan Athletic FC
Wes Hoolahan	Norwich City FC
Shane Long	West Bromwich Albion FC
Robbie Keane	LA Galaxy
Jon Walters	Stoke City FC
Kevin Doyle	Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
Anthony Stokes	Celtic FC

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."

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.

Moyes to put his faith in Shane Duffy

Everton boss David Moyes is set to put his faith in Shane Duffy as Everton enter a pivotal spell in the Blues boss’ Goodison reign.

The Derry born Ireland international has been told he is right in the mix to challenge favoured pair Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin for a first-team place as the Toffees chase a top four finish and FA Cup glory.

Duffy had previously been fourth in line to start in central defence and Moyes had considered allowing him to go on loan to gather experience, but has been impressed with his development in recent months.

And with John Heitinga’s poor run of form proving costly in recent weeks, Moyes has informed Duffy he will be going nowhere as the club attempts to compete on two fronts which could yet prove crucial to Moyes’ own Goodison future.

The 21-year-old was selected ahead of Heitinga to come on as a late substitute during Saturday’s fifth round FA Cup draw with Oldham, and will be on the bench again for the visit to face Norwich at Carrow Road in the Premier League on Saturday.

Earlier this month Duffy led the Ireland  U21's to an impressive 3-0 win over the Netherlands in Tallaght Stadium and the young Galliagh defender will be keen to get some club games under his belt and force his way into Trapattoni's senior Ireland squad.

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.

Tardelli aiming for three points against Germany

Ireland assistant boss Marco Tardelli is adamant that Ireland will go into their World Cup qualifier against Germany on Friday looking to secure all three points.

"We will try to win, it's normal for us. If we can win against Germany, it will be important for the team and for the country"

"But a draw? I don't know. It is better to wait. The Germans are a strong team, they are very quick and they play very well with their wingers because they cut in with their strikers".

"We know that Germany is a very good team and we have many problems, but we need to believe it's possible to play against all teams."

Ireland have been hit with an injury crisis ahead of the Germany and Faroe Islands games with Kevin Doyle, Sean St Ledger, Richard Dunne, James McClean and Glenn Whelan all missing.

Conor Clifford, David Meyler and Manchester United's Robbie Brady have been drafted into the squad as cover.

Tardelli also hinted that a change in Irish formation may be required to try and contain the German midfield threat.

"We need to change something against Germany because the Germans are a very strong team and play 4-3-3. Maybe it's possible to play 4-3-3."

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

Ireland U21 squad named for double Euro qualifiers

Ireland Under-21 team boss Noel King has named his squad for the forthcoming UEFA U21 Championship qualifying Group Seven fixtures with Hungary and Italy.

The Irish face Hungary in Kecskemét on Thursday September 6 then meet the Italians in Casarano four days later.

"We have two games to go in our group and the simply facts are that if we win the two of them we'll get at least second place and hopefully that will secure a playoff place," said King.


IRELAND U21 squad: Ian McLoughlin (MK Dons), Aaron McCarey (Wolves), John Egan (Sunderland), Greg Cunningham (Bristol City), Rob Kiernan (Wigan Athletic), Shane Duffy (Everton), Niall Canavan (Scunthorpe), Richie Towell (Unattached), Jeff Hendrick (Derby County), Adam Barton (Coventry City), Conor Henderson (Arsenal), Conor Clifford (Chelsea), Samir Carruthers (Aston Villa), Eunan O'Kane (Bournemouth), Sean Murray (Watford), Robbie Brady (Manchester United), Aidan White (Leeds United), Sean Scannell (Huddersfield Town), Rhys Murphy (SC Telstar), James Collins (Swindon Town).

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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.

Keane guidance having Villa impact

Ireland striker Robbie Keane has already become Aston Villa’s in-game gaffer by shouting out pitch instructions to his short-term colleagues.

Keane has ingratiated himself to team-mates and fans alike with his brilliant double in the 3-2 victory at Wolves last Weekend and it capped an amazing full Villa start for the 31-year-old Irish captain who is currently on loan from LA Galaxy.

And Villa player Marc Albrighton has revealed that the record Irish striker’s guidance has been just as important as his goals.

“I was watching Goals on Sunday the day after the Wolves match and it was interesting to listen to Chris Kamara’s comments about Keano,” said Albrighton.

“He made the point that Keano was almost performing a manager’s role on the pitch with the other lads.

“He was telling everyone where to go and where to pass it. That’s something he’s definitely bringing to the side.

“If he can keep doing that and keep banging in the goals, we’ll all be delighted.

“He’s not only a great person to play with he’s also a nice guy to have around the place too.

“The young boys look up to him and know they can learn from him. To be training with a player with the wealth of experience like Keano is just brilliant.”

Albrighton believes all of Villa’s attacking players will benefit greatly from playing alongside Keane before his loan spell ends at the end of February.

“Robbie thinks one step ahead of everyone else,” said Albrighton.

“Not only does he see the pass before everyone else, he has the ability to execute it too

“He’s never played really as a target man, as such, he drops off into gaps and little pockets of space and he can punish people from finding these areas.

“He has the ability to thread the balls through to people like Benty, Gabby, Charles and myself and if he doesn’t do that and decides to shoot instead, we’ve all seen what happens then!

“He can only help our team and he certainly did that on Saturday.”

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Ireland confirm Polish base

Ireland will be based in Gdynia in Poland for Euro 2012, the Football Association today confirmed

Giovanni Trapattoni and Marco Tardelli visited Poland this week to sign off on the base camp for the finals.

Gdynia is located in the Pomeranian region of Poland and is part of a metropolitan area around the city of Gdansk, known as Tricity. The team will be located at the Sheraton Sopot Hotel.

Trapattoni said: "I am very happy that we have been able to secure Gdynia as a base camp for Euro 2012. This base meets and exceeds all of our criteria, having a good training ground, being close to the airport and being based in Poland.

"The hotel and training facilities are excellent and provide us with a well-positioned base with all of the facilities required for the championships."

The Irish team will train at the Municipal Stadium in Gdynia, a new ground with a capacity of 15,000.

Ireland's first match will see them transfer to the Municipal Stadium in Poznan to face Croatia on 10 June.

Ireland will then play Spain in the Gdansk Arena on 14 June and in the final Group C match, Ireland will take on Italy in Poznan on 18 June.

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Trapattoni agrees new Ireland deal

The FAI has agreed a new two-year contract with Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni and his assistant Marco Tardelli.

The new deal was announced in a statement today. It will begin in July 2012 and continue for the duration of the World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign. Fitness trainer Fausto Rossi will also continue in his role.

Trapattoni has secured his new contract on the back of Ireland's successful qualification for Euro 2012.

Commenting via an official FAI statement, the 72-year-old said: "I am very happy to continue my job with the FAI. I have always said that Marco and I believe very strongly in the work that we are doing to grow and develop the Irish team.

"It is a huge honour and a privilege to represent the Irish team and we look forward to continuing this important task."


FAI chief executive John Delaney said: "On behalf of the FAI Board of management, we are very happy to agree a contract extension with Giovanni Trapattoni and his team of Marco Tardelli and Fausto Rossi.

"They have done fantastic work with the squad, bringing us to qualification for a major tournament for the first time in ten years, increasing our world ranking to 21st and introducing many new players for the future.

"Giovanni's experience, professionalism and achievement in qualifying for EURO 2012 has impressed everyone including the players and the FAI Board."

Commenting on O'Brien's financial support, Delaney added: "The FAI Board of Management are particularly grateful to Denis O'Brien for his continuing contribution which gives the Irish team and supporters the benefit of Giovanni's services into the next World Cup campaign."

O'Brien also commented on the deal. He said: "Giovanni Trapattoni has done a tremendous job in bringing Ireland to qualification for the Euros for the first time since 1988.

"His professionalism, experience and close working relationship with the players has developed a squad which has grown in self-belief and determination.

"The squad is showing plenty of potential for further improvement during the coming campaign. I am delighted to continue my partnership with the FAI, Giovanni Trapattoni and the Irish squad."


FAI President Paddy McCaul said: "I am delighted that we have been able to retain the services of Giovanni Trapattoni. He brings a wealth of experience and a great working relationship with the FAI and the players.

"The fact that we have gone into the last two campaigns as third seeds and have finished second in both, as well as being seeded for the play-offs in EURO campaign, speaks volumes about his ability to deliver.

"I would like to congratulate Giovanni, Marco and Fausto on this renewed appointment"

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Trapattoni : Be proud

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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Keane looking for victory against Estonians

Robbie Keane has insisted that Ireland will be going all out for victory in tonight's Euro 2012 play-off clash against Estonia.

Giovanni Trapattoni's 'Boys In Green' will start in Tallinn knowing that a draw would be a decent result to take back to the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday evening. However, Keane is adamant that a win will be the only thing on their minds as they attempt to take a major stride towards qualification for next summer's Euro finals.

He said: "Listen, as players, you don't go into a game thinking you are going to draw, it's impossible to do it. You go into every game thinking you are going to win it, so we are going into this game thinking that we can win it because there is no reason why we can't."

He added: "We have the players to do it and we have the mentality to do it, so there's no reason why we can't do it.

"We go into every game with the same mentality, that we can win this and we can score goals."

Ireland's recent run of form backs up Keane's claims - they are unbeaten in nine games and have conceded just one goal in the process.

Keane is confident that is evidence of the improvement they have made under Trapattoni's guidance in the last three and a half years or so.

He said: "You have seen over the years since the manager has come in, we have grown as a team, we have got better with each game and that reflects in our performances and the fact that we haven't lost too many games.

"Of course, we are a better team. The players are getting more experienced and able to handle different situations, so we are certainly a better team than we were a couple of years ago."

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Walters prepared to 'put head on the line' for Irish qualification

Ireland striker Jon Walters says he won't be afraid to mix it up with Estonia's defenders if required by Giovanni Trapattoni during the Euro play-off's.

The Stoke City player is vying for a starting birth with Simon Cox, for Kevin Doyle's place and is adamant that he will play whatever role he is asked to in Friday's away encounter.

Walters said: "I am not the sort of player to shirk out of anything, I'll go wholeheartedly into anything so if that's putting myself about or doing whatever needs to be done, I'll do that.

"I have the scars on my head and eyebrows to prove that. I'll get involved and get mixed up in whatever needs to be done."

28-year-old Walters played just over 10 minutes of the last group game but may have done enough to pip Simon Cox for a starting place in Tallinn.

He is also Stoke's joint top scorer this season with five goals in 21 appearances, compared to Cox's one goal in six games for West Brom.

With Robbie Keane having come through three games with LA Galaxy after his injury, Walters is hoping that he gets the nod to partner the Irish captain in attack. He says that his ability to play with different types of strike partner may give him the edge.

"I've played with so many different strikers over the past few years, five or six in the past year while I've been at Stoke. I think that adaptability is one of the attributes of my game and playing well with different players and linking up," he said.

"Whatever the manager asks you to do or how to play, you try and if it's a different job I am asked to do - whether it's to hold it up or flick it on and behind, I'll try my best to do that.

"[In the last game against Armenia] after about 30 seconds of coming on, Doyler got sent off so that changed what I needed to do. I went up there just to hold up the ball and keep the pressure off our defence for a little while, that was my job and hopefully I did that quite well."

"Obviously, it's only the halfway point after the first game and we've got to concentrate on getting through. but getting a goal away from home is always important and with such a good defensive record, that we have as a team, if we can get a goal it can be enough.

"They've done exactly the same as we've done to get where they are. They're not going to be pushovers and they're not going to be easy. We may not have heard of them so much in world football but you tend to find players from countries like that are technically very good.

"As soon as you underestimate teams you get a kick up the backside. So that's the last thing anyone in the squad will be doing. It's the worst thing you can do."
with Simon Cox - man of the match in the last qualifier against Armenia - for Kevin Doyle's place and is adamant that he will play whatever role he is asked to in Friday's crunch encounter.

Walters said: "I am not the sort of player to shirk out of anything, I'll go wholeheartedly into anything so if that's putting myself about or doing whatever needs to be done, I'll do that.

"I have the scars on my head and eyebrows to prove that. I'll get involved and get mixed up in whatever needs to be done."

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Tardelli stresses the importance of Irish Euro qualification

Ireland assistant boss Marco Tardelli has told Ireland's players they could be preparing for the most important games of their lives as they attempt to book a trip to the Euro 2012 finals in Poland & Ukraine next summer.





Ireland face Estonia in a two-legged play-off over the next seven days with a place at next summer's tournament at stake.

A World Cup winner himself, Tardelli knows exactly what kind of exposure that can give a player even beyond the honour of representing their country on the big stage.

He said: "It's the match of their life for many players. It's important to qualify because the players need a boost as well in terms of new contracts and visibility.

"The European Championships give the players good visibility and for some players, maybe it is the last chance to be seen around the world.

"It's important, and it is important also for the Irish people.

"If a player plays in the Championship and maybe he plays well at the European Championships, it's possible to sign a new contract or play in the Premier League or in another country.

"This is important. I don't know for other players, but for me, it was very important because I am very close to my country, and I think these players are very close to their country.

"I felt very emotional when I stood on the pitch during the national anthem. I don't know for other players, but I think it's the same thing."

Whatever else qualification would bring - and contract extensions for manager Giovanni Trapattoni, assistant Tardelli and the rest of the staff could depend on it - it would end a 10-year wait for Ireland.

Not since Mick McCarthy's side reached the 2002 World Cup finals in the Far East via a fiercely-contested play-off against Iran has the nation contested a major finals.

There have been close calls, and no closer that two years ago when only William Gallas' controversial strike with the help of Thierry Henry's infamous handball in Paris saw France squeeze past Ireland before hitting problems in South Africa.

Those memories remain painfully vivid for many of the players, but Tardelli insists they must be consigned to history.

Asked if the events of that night still hurt, he said: "No, it's finished. We must focus on Estonia because it's very important."

Ireland head into the play-offs as favourites, although Tardelli has warned it would be dangerous for the players to believe that.

He said: "I don't think so. When we knew the draw, we were very happy because we drew Estonia, but Estonia thought the same thing. After the draw, Estonia were very happy because they drew Ireland.

"We are not favourites. We have a 50% chance like Estonia. We are not favourites - if we think we are favourites, that is very dangerous."

While skipper Robbie Keane was a welcome sight on the training pitch at Malahide this morning, keeper Shay Given and key defender Richard Dunne were absent, along with midfielders Keith Andrews and Keith Fahey.

However, Given was having treatment for a stiff neck and back and Dunne and Fahey for minor knee problems while Andrews was simply rested, unlike unfortunate Millwall keeper David Forde, who has returned to his club with a thigh problem, with Motherwell's Darren Randolph taking his place.

Tardelli said: "Shay Given and Richard Dunne needed a rest.

"Richard has a little problem with his knee and also Shay Given has a little problem with his back, but I think it is possible for them to return tomorrow."

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