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.”

Gomes also reckons that Trapattoni will lead Ireland to the World Cup finals in South Africa in two years time.

“It will be a difficult job as they are in the same group as Italy and Bulgaria but I think they will succeed,” he said. “With his experience, he can make a good team. He can organise the team and transmit his experience to the players, and they can reach the World Cup finals.” Meanwhile, as a new era in Irish football is set to begin, the FAI have announced the appointment of Peter Sherrard – currently Head of Communications with Ryanair — as its new Director of Communications. He will take up his new role with the FAI from May 13.