Trapattoni satisfied but more can be done

On the morning after, Giovanni Trapattoni still sees it like he called it immediately following his side's scoreless draw against Montenegro and is now targeting the maximum return from the three consecutive home games in Croke Park over the next six months.

Always keen to focus on the minor details, the Italian was happy with what he saw as further evidence that his ideology is being taken on board by his players.

After a nervous start in testing conditions, and against a technically gifted side that belied their status as group eight's sixth seeds, his team displayed a belief that allowed them to defend calmly, pass efficiently and attack when the opportunity arose.

Despite admitting prior to the 2-1 win over Georgia that six points from six was the target, the 69-year-old is satisfied that his team's four point haul from the two games is adequate and further proof that his side now knows when the glass is half full.

"I want to repeat a little bit of what I said yesterday," he said this morning in the Clarion Hotel at Dublin Airport. "I was happy with our performance but I was also happy because slowly, slowly the team understands what is important - to get a result.

"We have to think because it's an away game, it's difficult."

In 180 minutes of competitive football none of his players were shown a yellow card, another indication of the confidence and discipline the manager sought to instil from the outset, but there remains room for improvement.

"We are not smart enough at times. I think in future we can also learn that bit better," he warned. "We have to be confident. The famous team's football depends on little situation, injuries and yellow cards. That situation is good. You see how the team has evolved. It has discipline on the pitch. It's one of the objectives I had set myself when I started the job."

As was the case last night after reviewing the video evidence, Trapattoni argues that two handballs in either half from Radoslav Batak could have led to penalties for his side, and points to the referee's inexperience as the reason why, the second one at least, was not awarded.

Though the moment is gone, he seems intent on ensuring his team is afforded the same respect as its more illustrious opponents.

"Maybe I will speak with Fifa directors, because we deserve respect," he said. "What's good for Italy is good for Ireland. In this game, young referees also need to get experience, but it is important that they are sure. It is possible they don't see. We could have won."

His side could also have won if winger Aiden McGeady had kept a cooler head when within sight of goal in the dying minutes, but he too is young, argues his manager, and his work rate over the two games is to be commended.

"Yesterday and the game before McGeady worked twice the amount from what he had done in the past. He must.

"Aiden is still young. He has improved. He plays for Celtic in Scotland I have seen him many times. He can also look for the goal. At the moment he plays with his qualities but he can do things more confidently - like in the last occasion."

Looking to the future the former Bayern Munich and Juventus boss is setting the bar at nine points from next months game against Cyprus, February's meeting with Georgia and the visit of Bulgaria in March, but as was the case with the latest double-header one draw would not be unthinkable.

"We make also 3-3-3 dream....," he insisted, in reference to desired return from each game. "But for me it is enough that we take seven points. We have three games at home now and maybe we can win all three, but I think we have to be realistic.

"Seven points from nine for me is optimal. It would be enough to look to the future with a little bit but not too much of a smile."