A severe lesson for us, says Trap

OH dear. Yes, it was only a friendly. And yes, the first round of the Premier League is only days away but there is something about a 3-0 defeat that just sets those alarm bells ringing.

This was Ireland’s heaviest defeat in a non-competitive game since Holland put four past Steve Staunton’s side back in August 2006. Ireland’s next result? That 5-2 defeat to Cyprus in Nicosia. Hmm.

Giovanni Trapattoni was eager to point out that the trip to the Mediterranean will be a very different affair. Australia, he said, were like Poland and the USA. Physical opponents. Cyprus, while dangerous, would pose a different set of problems.