Trap rings the changes in search of fringe benefits

ONLY four players who featured in Nicosia on Saturday night – including substitute Caleb Folan – are retained in Giovanni Trapattoni’s experimental side for tonight’s international friendly game against South Africa at Thomond Park.

Having already released a number of the team’s regular starters after their exertions at the weekend, the manager yesterday lost two more big names when John O’Shea and Aiden McGeady were both forced to pull out with injuries.

The Celtic man picked up a knock in training on Sunday while the Manchester United defender’s bruised calf muscle problem has ruled him out of the clash in Limerick.