Trapattoni rates Irish chances

Monday, February 08, 2010

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND manager Giovanni Trapattoni has called on his team to show the spirit of Paris when they begin the battle to qualify for Euro 2012.

"We will start with the same mentality we had three months ago against France," Trapattoni said.

"If we begin with the same mentality, we have the possibility to qualify."

Russia, top seeds in the draw, did not qualify for the World Cup either having suffered a surprise defeat to Slovenia, but Slovakia did.

And Trapattoni admitted the Slovakians could be as big a threat as Guus Hiddink’s team.

"I think all the groups for me are about equal," said Trapattoni.

"It’s a tough group but other groups are also tough. Russia will be difficult and Slovakia.

"Slovakia are a technically good team and they are a team with a very tough mentality."

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Monday, February 08, 2010