Ireland’s bright young things eclipsed by Craddock

THIS had the look of an encounter tailor-made for Giovanni Trapattoni, an opportunity to check up on the form and fitness of Glenn Whelan, Liam Lawrence and Kevin Doyle in one fell swoop ahead of the tussle with France this month.

In the event, all three were upstaged by an ageing defender whose only claim to international fame is that he is currently keeping two England U-21 starlets out of the Wolves side.

Jody Craddock, 34, is reaching the stage of his career when a player’s thoughts usually turn to life after football.