AS it was in the beginning is by no means necessarily how it’s going to be in the end.

VARDAN MINASYAN has spoken before about the gulf in experience between his coaching CV and that of Giovanni Trapattoni’s but the Armenian manager gave a display worthy of the wily old Italian at last night’s press conference.

WHEN viewed from a certain perspective, Armenia don’t appear to meet any of the requirements for success in international football.

Giovanni Trapattoni has warned his Republic of Ireland players they take nothing for granted as they look to complete a perfect start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign against Andorra.

Giovanni Trapattoni was happy to settle for a 1-0 victory in Armenia as the Republic of Ireland survived a test of their Euro 2012 credentials.

Armenia 0 Republic of Ireland 1

Republic of Ireland skipper Robbie Keane and experienced defender Richard Dunne were both able to start this evening’s opening Euro 2012 qualifier in Armenia after recovering from injury.

Armenia coach Vardan Minasyan is relishing the chance to lock horns with one of international football’s veterans tonight.

WE’VE grown so accustomed to Giovanni Trapattoni casting Ireland as David versus Goliath that it almost came as a shock yesterday to hear an opposition manager insisting that the roles should be reversed.

Giovanni Trapattoni is refusing to throw caution to the wind as he attempts to launch the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with victory in Armenia.

LET’S hope it’s not an omen for the European Championship campaign. Ireland travelled all the way to Moscow yesterday but couldn’t get a result, as the Group B fixture meeting in the Russian capital ended without agreement.

Armenia, who were drawn in the same Euro 2012 qualifying group as the Republic of Ireland, have appointed a new manager.