Republic’s wings clipped for Azzuri showdown

THE Republic of Ireland are likely to have to face Italy in Bari on Wednesday without their two first-choice wingers.

Having already lost Damien Duff to a thigh injury before Saturday’s draw with Bulgaria, manager Giovanni Trapattoni yesterday reported that Aiden McGeady is now struggling with an injured knee.

The Celtic man had gone into Saturday’s game nursing a bruised foot and, although he played 90 minutes, he was replaced at the very end by Andy Keogh. The knock to McGeady’s knee required ice treatment immediately after the game and yesterday he missed training at Gannon Park, Malahide.

Although McGeady will be given every chance to recover in time for Wednesday’s game, the manager’s comments indicated that he is already preparing to have to do without him.

Said Trapattoni: “When you are missing three or four players then it is a problem because it can change your mentality or your habit but one or two is not a problem.

“The difference is maybe 10 or 20 per cent so I’m not looking for excuses. We know Duff and McGeady and their qualities.

“But I am confident about Keogh. Maybe he does not have the pace of McGeady but he is a clever player.”

Shay Given also missed training yesterday but, jokingly, put it down to “old age”. The goalkeeper said that resting after match day was part of his recovery programme and confirmed that he would be fit to face the Italians.

Trapattoni gave the players the afternoon off yesterday in order to relax and, as he put it, “recharge their batteries”. This morning the squad will train again in Malahide before flying out to Bari in the afternoon.