Byline: by PHILIP QUINN
GIOVANNI Trapattoni was only half joking yesterday when he wished for an Aladdin's Lamp, so he could ask the genie inside to conjure up more players for the Republic of Ireland.
As he reflected, quite theatrically at times, on Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Czech Republic, it seemed as if the only light to hand for Trapattoni was a miner's lamp, now casting a rather dull glow on Irish prospects for the 2012 Euro finals.
After the euphoria of Estonia, Trapattoni's colliery workers struggled at the coal-face against a workmanlike Czech side, ranked nine places below Ireland and missing their chief playmaker, Tomas Rosicky.
Even allowing for a fine late equaliser by Simon Cox, which extended the Republic's unbeaten run to 12 games, there were few shards of encouragement on a dark night in the trenches.
Ireland conceded possession too easily, defended too deep, created little, and were so predictable that the full-backs didn't even bother showing for the ball whenever Shay Given, clad in all-black, was in possession.
Most managers use their fullbacks as an option for a springboard to launch attacks -- not Trapattoni's Ireland.
Never mind the result, the stuttering performance gave little optimism about Irish prospects of progressing from Group C in the finals, although Trapattoni's spin on things would have pleased Rumpelstiltskin.
'I usually watch only my house, not the house of other national teams but when I look around I see Italy lost, Croatia lost, England lost, and France won in Germany. We did not lose, which is good for the world ranking,' he said.
What was most exasperating was Trapattoni's reluctance to give youth its fling; instead he stood by the players he trusts - the first four substitutes had started at least one of the 12 Euro qualifiers.
His only concession was the late introduction of James McClean which almost raised the roof in Aviva Stadium -- if there was a roof.
James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman were ignored, once again, while Shane Duffy kept his tracksuit top on despite Trapattoni's pre-match insistence that the Everton defender would play.
What was to be lost by pressing the youngsters, all with Premier League clubs, into action? For starters, the crowd would have been energised and maybe one or two senior players would have responded to the challenge from the greenhorns. The game was crying out for a shift in emphasis but Trapattoni's ways are embedded deep and he was never likely to assume the role of genie and rub the lamp staring him in the face.
With three minutes of competitive action to his name since his debut two years ago, McCarthy must be wondering now if it was the right career move to hitch a ride on the Irish bandwagon when he could have joined the Scots clan.
Named in the initial 24-man squad to face the Czechs, he saw Paul Green added from left-field, along with McClean, 12 days later and then parachute past him into action on Wednesday night.
McCarthy was last involved a year ago against Uruguay, since when he has been a serial bench warmer, while Coleman was last seen against the Italians in Liege, where he did well on the right flank.
As things stand with Trapattoni, both are behind Green and Keith Fahey too -- players with Championship clubs -- for the prized midfield berths for the Euro finals.
Trapattoni, who turns 73 later this month, was at pains to point out how he spoke repeatedly to McCarthy during the game.
'I spoke to him behind me and said "watch what happens in this situation". I know his characteristics. I've seen many games, we watch what happens at Wigan.' It seems clear that McCarthy's 'characteristics' are not what Trapattoni requires in midfield, unlike Green, who played for half an hour and did what was asked of him.
On Wednesday's evidence, Trapattoni has identified Green as a ready-made cover for his first-choice stokers, Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan -- not McCarthy.
The Italian also spoke of the value of Fahey yesterday, pointing out he could play wide left or right, and his demeanour indicated McClean, no matter what he does between now and the end of the season for Sunderland, is not in his thoughts for Poland.
Much can happen between now and mid-May when Trapattoni names his squad for the Euro finals and injuries could yet force the Italian's hand.
Referred to yesterday as a manager who is professionally loyal to his players, he won't flinch an inch at drawing a line through those he is leaving out, even if the players cut adrift take umbrage.
He revealed yesterday that some players had contacted him at being left out of the squad for this week's friendly -- Liam Lawrence was one of those players.
'They were upset but it's more upsetting for me. It's also for me, hard to choose. But that is my duty,' he said in a handwringing tone which smacked of hangman Albert Pierrepoint.
When asked about the bright pink tie he wore yesterday, Trapattoni said it was important to wear something colourful, especially when it's foggy 'otherwise cars will crash into you'.
Between now and the Euro finals, the Republic need to find a splash of colour and invention, lest Group C be a car-crash waiting to happen.
TRAPS' LIKELY LADS FOR THE EURO FINALS GOALKEEPERS: Shay Given, Kieren Westwood, David Forde.
DEFENDERS: John O'Shea, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Stephen Ward, Stephen Kelly, Darren O'Dea, Kevin Foley.
MIDFIELDERS: Damien Duff, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Aiden McGeady, Stephen Hunt, Darron Gibson, Keith Fahey, Paul Green.
FORWARDS: Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Jon Walters, Simon Cox.
STAND-BY CREW: Stephen Henderson, Paul McShane, James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman, James McClean, Andy Keogh.
CAPTION(S):
Hold it right there: Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni returns fire to the media at yesterday's press conference in Dublin SPORTSFILE
Lofty heights: Paul Green looks to have done enough to ensure a seat on the plane to Euro 2012 REUTERS
GREEN SHOOTS NEED TENDING.(Sport; Opinion, Columns)
Byline: by PHILIP QUINN
GIOVANNI Trapattoni was only half joking yesterday when he wished for an Aladdin's Lamp, so he could ask the genie inside to conjure up more players for the Republic of Ireland.
As he reflected, quite theatrically at times, on Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Czech Republic, it seemed as if the only light to hand for Trapattoni was a miner's lamp, now casting a rather dull glow on Irish prospects for the 2012 Euro finals.
After the euphoria of Estonia, Trapattoni's colliery workers struggled at the coal-face against a workmanlike Czech side, ranked nine places below Ireland and missing their chief playmaker, Tomas Rosicky.
Even allowing for a fine late equaliser by Simon Cox, which extended the Republic's unbeaten run to 12 games, there were few shards of encouragement on a dark night in the trenches.
Ireland conceded possession too easily, defended too deep, created little, and were so predictable that the full-backs didn't even bother showing for the ball whenever Shay Given, clad in all-black, was in possession.
Most managers use their fullbacks as an option for a springboard to launch attacks -- not Trapattoni's Ireland.
Never mind the result, the stuttering performance gave little optimism about Irish prospects of progressing from Group C in the finals, although Trapattoni's spin on things would have pleased Rumpelstiltskin.
'I usually watch only my house, not the house of other national teams but when I look around I see Italy lost, Croatia lost, England lost, and France won in Germany. We did not lose, which is good for the world ranking,' he said.
What was most exasperating was Trapattoni's reluctance to give youth its fling; instead he stood by the players he trusts - the first four substitutes had started at least one of the 12 Euro qualifiers.
His only concession was the late introduction of James McClean which almost raised the roof in Aviva Stadium -- if there was a roof.
James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman were ignored, once again, while Shane Duffy kept his tracksuit top on despite Trapattoni's pre-match insistence that the Everton defender would play.
What was to be lost by pressing the youngsters, all with Premier League clubs, into action? For starters, the crowd would have been energised and maybe one or two senior players would have responded to the challenge from the greenhorns. The game was crying out for a shift in emphasis but Trapattoni's ways are embedded deep and he was never likely to assume the role of genie and rub the lamp staring him in the face.
With three minutes of competitive action to his name since his debut two years ago, McCarthy must be wondering now if it was the right career move to hitch a ride on the Irish bandwagon when he could have joined the Scots clan.
Named in the initial 24-man squad to face the Czechs, he saw Paul Green added from left-field, along with McClean, 12 days later and then parachute past him into action on Wednesday night.
McCarthy was last involved a year ago against Uruguay, since when he has been a serial bench warmer, while Coleman was last seen against the Italians in Liege, where he did well on the right flank.
As things stand with Trapattoni, both are behind Green and Keith Fahey too -- players with Championship clubs -- for the prized midfield berths for the Euro finals.
Trapattoni, who turns 73 later this month, was at pains to point out how he spoke repeatedly to McCarthy during the game.
'I spoke to him behind me and said "watch what happens in this situation". I know his characteristics. I've seen many games, we watch what happens at Wigan.' It seems clear that McCarthy's 'characteristics' are not what Trapattoni requires in midfield, unlike Green, who played for half an hour and did what was asked of him.
On Wednesday's evidence, Trapattoni has identified Green as a ready-made cover for his first-choice stokers, Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan -- not McCarthy.
The Italian also spoke of the value of Fahey yesterday, pointing out he could play wide left or right, and his demeanour indicated McClean, no matter what he does between now and the end of the season for Sunderland, is not in his thoughts for Poland.
Much can happen between now and mid-May when Trapattoni names his squad for the Euro finals and injuries could yet force the Italian's hand.
Referred to yesterday as a manager who is professionally loyal to his players, he won't flinch an inch at drawing a line through those he is leaving out, even if the players cut adrift take umbrage.
He revealed yesterday that some players had contacted him at being left out of the squad for this week's friendly -- Liam Lawrence was one of those players.
'They were upset but it's more upsetting for me. It's also for me, hard to choose. But that is my duty,' he said in a handwringing tone which smacked of hangman Albert Pierrepoint.
When asked about the bright pink tie he wore yesterday, Trapattoni said it was important to wear something colourful, especially when it's foggy 'otherwise cars will crash into you'.
Between now and the Euro finals, the Republic need to find a splash of colour and invention, lest Group C be a car-crash waiting to happen.
TRAPS' LIKELY LADS FOR THE EURO FINALS GOALKEEPERS: Shay Given, Kieren Westwood, David Forde.
DEFENDERS: John O'Shea, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Stephen Ward, Stephen Kelly, Darren O'Dea, Kevin Foley.
MIDFIELDERS: Damien Duff, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Aiden McGeady, Stephen Hunt, Darron Gibson, Keith Fahey, Paul Green.
FORWARDS: Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Jon Walters, Simon Cox.
STAND-BY CREW: Stephen Henderson, Paul McShane, James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman, James McClean, Andy Keogh.
CAPTION(S):
Hold it right there: Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni returns fire to the media at yesterday's press conference in Dublin SPORTSFILE
Lofty heights: Paul Green looks to have done enough to ensure a seat on the plane to Euro 2012 REUTERS
GREEN SHOOTS NEED TENDING.(Sport; Opinion, Columns)
Byline: by PHILIP QUINN
GIOVANNI Trapattoni was only half joking yesterday when he wished for an Aladdin's Lamp, so he could ask the genie inside to conjure up more players for the Republic of Ireland.
As he reflected, quite theatrically at times, on Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Czech Republic, it seemed as if the only light to hand for Trapattoni was a miner's lamp, now casting a rather dull glow on Irish prospects for the 2012 Euro finals.
After the euphoria of Estonia, Trapattoni's colliery workers struggled at the coal-face against a workmanlike Czech side, ranked nine places below Ireland and missing their chief playmaker, Tomas Rosicky.
Even allowing for a fine late equaliser by Simon Cox, which extended the Republic's unbeaten run to 12 games, there were few shards of encouragement on a dark night in the trenches.
Ireland conceded possession too easily, defended too deep, created little, and were so predictable that the full-backs didn't even bother showing for the ball whenever Shay Given, clad in all-black, was in possession.
Most managers use their fullbacks as an option for a springboard to launch attacks -- not Trapattoni's Ireland.
Never mind the result, the stuttering performance gave little optimism about Irish prospects of progressing from Group C in the finals, although Trapattoni's spin on things would have pleased Rumpelstiltskin.
'I usually watch only my house, not the house of other national teams but when I look around I see Italy lost, Croatia lost, England lost, and France won in Germany. We did not lose, which is good for the world ranking,' he said.
What was most exasperating was Trapattoni's reluctance to give youth its fling; instead he stood by the players he trusts - the first four substitutes had started at least one of the 12 Euro qualifiers.
His only concession was the late introduction of James McClean which almost raised the roof in Aviva Stadium -- if there was a roof.
James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman were ignored, once again, while Shane Duffy kept his tracksuit top on despite Trapattoni's pre-match insistence that the Everton defender would play.
What was to be lost by pressing the youngsters, all with Premier League clubs, into action? For starters, the crowd would have been energised and maybe one or two senior players would have responded to the challenge from the greenhorns. The game was crying out for a shift in emphasis but Trapattoni's ways are embedded deep and he was never likely to assume the role of genie and rub the lamp staring him in the face.
With three minutes of competitive action to his name since his debut two years ago, McCarthy must be wondering now if it was the right career move to hitch a ride on the Irish bandwagon when he could have joined the Scots clan.
Named in the initial 24-man squad to face the Czechs, he saw Paul Green added from left-field, along with McClean, 12 days later and then parachute past him into action on Wednesday night.
McCarthy was last involved a year ago against Uruguay, since when he has been a serial bench warmer, while Coleman was last seen against the Italians in Liege, where he did well on the right flank.
As things stand with Trapattoni, both are behind Green and Keith Fahey too -- players with Championship clubs -- for the prized midfield berths for the Euro finals.
Trapattoni, who turns 73 later this month, was at pains to point out how he spoke repeatedly to McCarthy during the game.
'I spoke to him behind me and said "watch what happens in this situation". I know his characteristics. I've seen many games, we watch what happens at Wigan.' It seems clear that McCarthy's 'characteristics' are not what Trapattoni requires in midfield, unlike Green, who played for half an hour and did what was asked of him.
On Wednesday's evidence, Trapattoni has identified Green as a ready-made cover for his first-choice stokers, Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan -- not McCarthy.
The Italian also spoke of the value of Fahey yesterday, pointing out he could play wide left or right, and his demeanour indicated McClean, no matter what he does between now and the end of the season for Sunderland, is not in his thoughts for Poland.
Much can happen between now and mid-May when Trapattoni names his squad for the Euro finals and injuries could yet force the Italian's hand.
Referred to yesterday as a manager who is professionally loyal to his players, he won't flinch an inch at drawing a line through those he is leaving out, even if the players cut adrift take umbrage.
He revealed yesterday that some players had contacted him at being left out of the squad for this week's friendly -- Liam Lawrence was one of those players.
'They were upset but it's more upsetting for me. It's also for me, hard to choose. But that is my duty,' he said in a handwringing tone which smacked of hangman Albert Pierrepoint.
When asked about the bright pink tie he wore yesterday, Trapattoni said it was important to wear something colourful, especially when it's foggy 'otherwise cars will crash into you'.
Between now and the Euro finals, the Republic need to find a splash of colour and invention, lest Group C be a car-crash waiting to happen.
TRAPS' LIKELY LADS FOR THE EURO FINALS GOALKEEPERS: Shay Given, Kieren Westwood, David Forde.
DEFENDERS: John O'Shea, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Stephen Ward, Stephen Kelly, Darren O'Dea, Kevin Foley.
MIDFIELDERS: Damien Duff, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Aiden McGeady, Stephen Hunt, Darron Gibson, Keith Fahey, Paul Green.
FORWARDS: Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Jon Walters, Simon Cox.
STAND-BY CREW: Stephen Henderson, Paul McShane, James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman, James McClean, Andy Keogh.
CAPTION(S):
Hold it right there: Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni returns fire to the media at yesterday's press conference in Dublin SPORTSFILE
Lofty heights: Paul Green looks to have done enough to ensure a seat on the plane to Euro 2012 REUTERS
GREEN SHOOTS NEED TENDING.(Sport; Opinion, Columns)
Byline: by PHILIP QUINN
GIOVANNI Trapattoni was only half joking yesterday when he wished for an Aladdin's Lamp, so he could ask the genie inside to conjure up more players for the Republic of Ireland.
As he reflected, quite theatrically at times, on Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Czech Republic, it seemed as if the only light to hand for Trapattoni was a miner's lamp, now casting a rather dull glow on Irish prospects for the 2012 Euro finals.
After the euphoria of Estonia, Trapattoni's colliery workers struggled at the coal-face against a workmanlike Czech side, ranked nine places below Ireland and missing their chief playmaker, Tomas Rosicky.
Even allowing for a fine late equaliser by Simon Cox, which extended the Republic's unbeaten run to 12 games, there were few shards of encouragement on a dark night in the trenches.
Ireland conceded possession too easily, defended too deep, created little, and were so predictable that the full-backs didn't even bother showing for the ball whenever Shay Given, clad in all-black, was in possession.
Most managers use their fullbacks as an option for a springboard to launch attacks -- not Trapattoni's Ireland.
Never mind the result, the stuttering performance gave little optimism about Irish prospects of progressing from Group C in the finals, although Trapattoni's spin on things would have pleased Rumpelstiltskin.
'I usually watch only my house, not the house of other national teams but when I look around I see Italy lost, Croatia lost, England lost, and France won in Germany. We did not lose, which is good for the world ranking,' he said.
What was most exasperating was Trapattoni's reluctance to give youth its fling; instead he stood by the players he trusts - the first four substitutes had started at least one of the 12 Euro qualifiers.
His only concession was the late introduction of James McClean which almost raised the roof in Aviva Stadium -- if there was a roof.
James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman were ignored, once again, while Shane Duffy kept his tracksuit top on despite Trapattoni's pre-match insistence that the Everton defender would play.
What was to be lost by pressing the youngsters, all with Premier League clubs, into action? For starters, the crowd would have been energised and maybe one or two senior players would have responded to the challenge from the greenhorns. The game was crying out for a shift in emphasis but Trapattoni's ways are embedded deep and he was never likely to assume the role of genie and rub the lamp staring him in the face.
With three minutes of competitive action to his name since his debut two years ago, McCarthy must be wondering now if it was the right career move to hitch a ride on the Irish bandwagon when he could have joined the Scots clan.
Named in the initial 24-man squad to face the Czechs, he saw Paul Green added from left-field, along with McClean, 12 days later and then parachute past him into action on Wednesday night.
McCarthy was last involved a year ago against Uruguay, since when he has been a serial bench warmer, while Coleman was last seen against the Italians in Liege, where he did well on the right flank.
As things stand with Trapattoni, both are behind Green and Keith Fahey too -- players with Championship clubs -- for the prized midfield berths for the Euro finals.
Trapattoni, who turns 73 later this month, was at pains to point out how he spoke repeatedly to McCarthy during the game.
'I spoke to him behind me and said "watch what happens in this situation". I know his characteristics. I've seen many games, we watch what happens at Wigan.' It seems clear that McCarthy's 'characteristics' are not what Trapattoni requires in midfield, unlike Green, who played for half an hour and did what was asked of him.
On Wednesday's evidence, Trapattoni has identified Green as a ready-made cover for his first-choice stokers, Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan -- not McCarthy.
The Italian also spoke of the value of Fahey yesterday, pointing out he could play wide left or right, and his demeanour indicated McClean, no matter what he does between now and the end of the season for Sunderland, is not in his thoughts for Poland.
Much can happen between now and mid-May when Trapattoni names his squad for the Euro finals and injuries could yet force the Italian's hand.
Referred to yesterday as a manager who is professionally loyal to his players, he won't flinch an inch at drawing a line through those he is leaving out, even if the players cut adrift take umbrage.
He revealed yesterday that some players had contacted him at being left out of the squad for this week's friendly -- Liam Lawrence was one of those players.
'They were upset but it's more upsetting for me. It's also for me, hard to choose. But that is my duty,' he said in a handwringing tone which smacked of hangman Albert Pierrepoint.
When asked about the bright pink tie he wore yesterday, Trapattoni said it was important to wear something colourful, especially when it's foggy 'otherwise cars will crash into you'.
Between now and the Euro finals, the Republic need to find a splash of colour and invention, lest Group C be a car-crash waiting to happen.
TRAPS' LIKELY LADS FOR THE EURO FINALS GOALKEEPERS: Shay Given, Kieren Westwood, David Forde.
DEFENDERS: John O'Shea, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Stephen Ward, Stephen Kelly, Darren O'Dea, Kevin Foley.
MIDFIELDERS: Damien Duff, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Aiden McGeady, Stephen Hunt, Darron Gibson, Keith Fahey, Paul Green.
FORWARDS: Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Jon Walters, Simon Cox.
STAND-BY CREW: Stephen Henderson, Paul McShane, James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman, James McClean, Andy Keogh.
CAPTION(S):
Hold it right there: Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni returns fire to the media at yesterday's press conference in Dublin SPORTSFILE
Lofty heights: Paul Green looks to have done enough to ensure a seat on the plane to Euro 2012 REUTERS
GREEN SHOOTS NEED TENDING.(Sport; Opinion, Columns)
Byline: by PHILIP QUINN
GIOVANNI Trapattoni was only half joking yesterday when he wished for an Aladdin's Lamp, so he could ask the genie inside to conjure up more players for the Republic of Ireland.
As he reflected, quite theatrically at times, on Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Czech Republic, it seemed as if the only light to hand for Trapattoni was a miner's lamp, now casting a rather dull glow on Irish prospects for the 2012 Euro finals.
After the euphoria of Estonia, Trapattoni's colliery workers struggled at the coal-face against a workmanlike Czech side, ranked nine places below Ireland and missing their chief playmaker, Tomas Rosicky.
Even allowing for a fine late equaliser by Simon Cox, which extended the Republic's unbeaten run to 12 games, there were few shards of encouragement on a dark night in the trenches.
Ireland conceded possession too easily, defended too deep, created little, and were so predictable that the full-backs didn't even bother showing for the ball whenever Shay Given, clad in all-black, was in possession.
Most managers use their fullbacks as an option for a springboard to launch attacks -- not Trapattoni's Ireland.
Never mind the result, the stuttering performance gave little optimism about Irish prospects of progressing from Group C in the finals, although Trapattoni's spin on things would have pleased Rumpelstiltskin.
'I usually watch only my house, not the house of other national teams but when I look around I see Italy lost, Croatia lost, England lost, and France won in Germany. We did not lose, which is good for the world ranking,' he said.
What was most exasperating was Trapattoni's reluctance to give youth its fling; instead he stood by the players he trusts - the first four substitutes had started at least one of the 12 Euro qualifiers.
His only concession was the late introduction of James McClean which almost raised the roof in Aviva Stadium -- if there was a roof.
James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman were ignored, once again, while Shane Duffy kept his tracksuit top on despite Trapattoni's pre-match insistence that the Everton defender would play.
What was to be lost by pressing the youngsters, all with Premier League clubs, into action? For starters, the crowd would have been energised and maybe one or two senior players would have responded to the challenge from the greenhorns. The game was crying out for a shift in emphasis but Trapattoni's ways are embedded deep and he was never likely to assume the role of genie and rub the lamp staring him in the face.
With three minutes of competitive action to his name since his debut two years ago, McCarthy must be wondering now if it was the right career move to hitch a ride on the Irish bandwagon when he could have joined the Scots clan.
Named in the initial 24-man squad to face the Czechs, he saw Paul Green added from left-field, along with McClean, 12 days later and then parachute past him into action on Wednesday night.
McCarthy was last involved a year ago against Uruguay, since when he has been a serial bench warmer, while Coleman was last seen against the Italians in Liege, where he did well on the right flank.
As things stand with Trapattoni, both are behind Green and Keith Fahey too -- players with Championship clubs -- for the prized midfield berths for the Euro finals.
Trapattoni, who turns 73 later this month, was at pains to point out how he spoke repeatedly to McCarthy during the game.
'I spoke to him behind me and said "watch what happens in this situation". I know his characteristics. I've seen many games, we watch what happens at Wigan.' It seems clear that McCarthy's 'characteristics' are not what Trapattoni requires in midfield, unlike Green, who played for half an hour and did what was asked of him.
On Wednesday's evidence, Trapattoni has identified Green as a ready-made cover for his first-choice stokers, Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan -- not McCarthy.
The Italian also spoke of the value of Fahey yesterday, pointing out he could play wide left or right, and his demeanour indicated McClean, no matter what he does between now and the end of the season for Sunderland, is not in his thoughts for Poland.
Much can happen between now and mid-May when Trapattoni names his squad for the Euro finals and injuries could yet force the Italian's hand.
Referred to yesterday as a manager who is professionally loyal to his players, he won't flinch an inch at drawing a line through those he is leaving out, even if the players cut adrift take umbrage.
He revealed yesterday that some players had contacted him at being left out of the squad for this week's friendly -- Liam Lawrence was one of those players.
'They were upset but it's more upsetting for me. It's also for me, hard to choose. But that is my duty,' he said in a handwringing tone which smacked of hangman Albert Pierrepoint.
When asked about the bright pink tie he wore yesterday, Trapattoni said it was important to wear something colourful, especially when it's foggy 'otherwise cars will crash into you'.
Between now and the Euro finals, the Republic need to find a splash of colour and invention, lest Group C be a car-crash waiting to happen.
TRAPS' LIKELY LADS FOR THE EURO FINALS GOALKEEPERS: Shay Given, Kieren Westwood, David Forde.
DEFENDERS: John O'Shea, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Stephen Ward, Stephen Kelly, Darren O'Dea, Kevin Foley.
MIDFIELDERS: Damien Duff, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Aiden McGeady, Stephen Hunt, Darron Gibson, Keith Fahey, Paul Green.
FORWARDS: Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Jon Walters, Simon Cox.
STAND-BY CREW: Stephen Henderson, Paul McShane, James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman, James McClean, Andy Keogh.
CAPTION(S):
Hold it right there: Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni returns fire to the media at yesterday's press conference in Dublin SPORTSFILE
Lofty heights: Paul Green looks to have done enough to ensure a seat on the plane to Euro 2012 REUTERS
