Trap keeps feet on the ground

THE REPUBLIC of Ireland might be within touching distance of the top of the Group 8 table after Saturday’s late, late show in Nicosia but, anticipating further twists and turns before the campaign is out, Giovanni Trapattoni declines to rate the team’s chances of qualifying for South Africa at anything higher than 50%.

However, he is still eyeing automatic qualification as outright group winners, which is why he hopes that, in Turin on Wednesday, Italy will either lose or be held to a draw by Bulgaria.

Speaking at the squad’s training base in Tipperary ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against South Africa in Thomond Park, the manager explained why, as he sees it, Ireland’s job is as yet only half done, with home games still to come against Italy and Montenegro.