Tardelli to check out Carsley and Reid

MARCO TARDELLI will take in two more Premiership games at the weekend as Giovanni Trapattoni’s assistant continues to monitor Irish players for his boss.

Last weekend, Tardelli, accompanied by fellow assistant Liam Brady, took in Reading-Manchester City and this time it will be Lee Carsley and Steven Reid who will come under the spotlight as the Italian visits Upton Park on Saturday for West Ham v Blackburn and Craven Cottage on Sunday for Fulham v Everton. The latter game will also allow Tardelli to check out the London ground where Ireland will play Colombia in May.

Meanwhile, there was renewed speculation yesterday that Roberto Donadoni might no longer be the manager of Italy by the time Ireland meet the Azzurri in World Cup qualifiers next year.

Italian FA boss Giancarlo Abete was due to speak with Donadoni yesterday, as talks about a new contract for the former international drag on. There are reports Donadoni’s position could remain in doubt until this summer’s European Championship finals, the suggestion being nothing less than a semi-final berth would secure him a new deal.