O’Brien plays down Trap rift speculation

BOLTON defender Joey O’Brien yesterday moved to dismiss speculation of a rift with Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

The three-times capped Dubliner, who can play in both defence and midfield, was thought to be considering his future after failing to force his way into Trapattoni’s plans.

O’Brien was particularly irked at being omitted for Ireland World Cup qualifier against Cyprus last October when Ireland were hit by a host of withdrawals.