Bulgaria 1 Republic of Ireland 1

AFTER the disappointment of Saturday night’s draw with Bulgaria, Giovanni Trapattoni is expecting a positive reaction from his team when Ireland take on world champions Italy in Bari on Wednesday.

Robbie Keane has admitted the Republic of Ireland would happily have settled for being seven points clear in second place in World Cup Group 8 at the halfway stage.

Steve Finnan has been forced to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Italy.

Thomas Gravesen may not have been promised a return to the Danish side after his one-match suspension, but the midfielder believes his side must improve when they face Bulgaria in Braga today if they are to stay in the competition.