Soccer: Kevin Doyle and John O'Shea are poised to come into the Republic of Ireland side when they look to wrap up their Euro 2012 play-off against Estonia at the Aviva Stadium next Tuesday.
Both players missed last night’s famous 4-0 win in first leg, Doyle through suspension and O’Shea with a hamstring injury, but manager Giovanni Trapattoni has indicated they will be included in his starting line-up in Dublin.
Damien Duff is a major concern for the return leg after bruising his ribs in a collision with Glenn Whelan. The winger had a scan on the injury today and although there was no fracture, there is enough swelling to cast serious concern on his involvement.
While recognising Ireland are almost over the line in terms of qualification for Poland and the Ukraine, it is not in Trapattoni’s nature to take Tuesday’s return leg lightly
“We must have respect for these people because at this moment, with the financial crisis, it’s a sacrifice to come to the stadium,” he told reporters at this evening’s press briefing in Malahide,. “We have to have respect for them and show them our commitment.
“We have a duty to repeat this game, maybe not with the same goals, but for the Irish people. I have said to the team to be careful. It will not be an easy game.
“It is another 90 minutes for our opponents. They lost some pride and it is important that we play this game with the same seriousness for our opponents and for the people coming to the stadium to watch the game.
“They pay for their tickets and expect a result — and not only a result, but also for us to play well. At home, we can also play with more confidence now with this advantage, but
with the same mentality.”
Asked about his contract situation, the Italian would not be drawn but repeated his desire to remain in charge of the national team.
“This is a question you can put to the president, Mr Delaney,” he answered. “I would be disappointed and upset if I had to leave. This is a great opportunity for us. Whatever happens, I believe we can also improve our performances in qualification for Brazil (in 2014).”
The 72-year-old Italian’s current deal is due to expire at the end of the current campaign, and speculation has firmly linked his chances of winning an extension with the presence or otherwise of his team in Poland and the Ukraine next summer.
