Four-goal haul may net Trapattoni a stay of execution

A defiant Giovanni Trapattoni insisted last night he had “no problem” if the FAI moved to fire him — but he may earn a stay of execution after bagging three crucial points against the Faroe Islands.

Skipper Robbie Keane and last night’s man of the match James McCarthy voiced their support for the beleaguered Italian as former assistant Liam Brady insisted Ireland would look ridiculous if the FAI moved against him.

“This guy knows what he is doing, we are on track. We have lost two qualifiers in four years,” insisted Brady.

The Italian also dismissed suggestions he was dodging a media briefing in Dublin this evening by explaining that he was returning home to visit his hospitalised sister.

The 4-1 win put the ball back in the court of FAI chief John Delaney, who has maintained a studious silence on Trap’s future since the 6-1 humiliation by Germany in Dublin on Friday.

Trapattoni had cause to curse Germany again last night as the group favourites blew a four-goal lead against the Republic’s group rivals Sweden to draw 4-4, giving the Scandinavians an edge in the battle for second place in the qualifying group.