Gomes thumbs-up for Trap

PORTUGUESE striker Nuno Gomes has given the thumbs-up to Giovanni Trapattoni, as the veteran Italian prepares for his unveiling as the new Republic of Ireland manager in Dublin on Thursday.

Gomes played under Trap at Benfica when he led them to the league title in 2005 and reckons Ireland can only benefit from the manager’s wealth of experience. “I think he’s one of the biggest coaches we’ve had,” said Gomes.

“He has a lot of experience in Italy and he trained a lot of good teams. He is a man of football and will help the Irish team.”