Out of the way, lads, that cup is mine

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI has often been called a lucky general but the manager enjoyed little or no pot luck in Kiev last night, as Ireland were handed a daunting challenge in the draw for next summer’s European Championship finals.

Reigning world and European champions Spain have long been installed as favourites to win the tournament, so their presence in Ireland’s group can only be regarded as a major obstacle to hopes Trapattoni can lead his players to the quarter-finals.

But the tests don’t end there: the manager’s native Italy also ended up in Group C, meaning two of Ireland’s opponents were the last two winners of the World Cup.