Opportunity knocks as Westwood in the frame
“We appreciate very much Westwood because we have followed him in the past and think of him for the future, even though Shay is still young,” said Trapattoni of the Coventry City netminder.
“He has a great personality, is physically strong and he can give us security. The two friendly games are very important for him and for the team.”
Trapattoni said that he has been in contact with Given who has told him that he believes he will be ready for the new season after undergoing surgery on his shoulder following an injury sustained in Manchester City’s scoreless draw against Arsenal at the Emirates.
“This is an important time for his physiotherapy, for his recovery,” said Trapattoni, “but his character gives me no doubt.
“His mentality is strong and it is always important when a player shows the desire to come back from injury.”
Nevertheless, as Marco Tardelli conceded on Sunday, the final verdict on Given’s rehabilitation will rest with the medics, meaning Westwood could be Ireland’s last line of defence away to Armenia on September 3.
Westwood, capped three times for Ireland, adds to his preparations this evening, when he plays for an experimental Irish senior selection against Paul Doolin’s U23 side in a behind-closed-doors training game at Gannon Park.
The full line-up is Westwood, skipper Paul McShane, centre-halves Shane Duffy and Darren O’Dea and at left-back either Greg Cunningham or Eddie Nolan, the latter currently nursing a swollen knee. Right to left, the midfield four are Liam Lawrence, Paul Green, Keith Fahey and Shane Long, while up front, Cillian Sheridan partners Leon Best.
Everton tyro Duffy is the only one of that 11 guaranteed not to be involved in the upcoming friendly games, since the IFA in Belfast has taken a case regarding the international eligibility of the Derry native to the Court of Arbitration in Sport, though the FAI remains confident that CAS will confirm FIFA’s ruling that he is entitled to play for the Republic.
Trapattoni admitted yesterday he was disappointed that injuries and other complications had ruled out a number of the players he had hoped to bring in for the developmental training camp.
“It’s a pity because it’s an occasion to prepare the team, to experiment and to look at new opportunities,” he said.
“When we start the next qualification campaign we have not got much time to prepare or look at other possibilities.
“But, still what I saw was very interesting over the last two days. It’s important that players like Keith Fahey and Paul Green stay with us. Of course, we have seen them many times with their clubs but there they have habits. I know their quality but when they play with us we have another system to play.”
For the U23 team, which is drawn exclusively from the Airtricity League, Galway United’s Seamus Conneely (thigh) is ruled out, while Sporting Fingal’s Darren Quigley (elbow) is doubtful. Manager Paul Doolin has called Dundalk defender Shaun Kelly into the squad for the training match, although Conneely is expected to be fit to take his place in the squad for the International Challenge Trophy match against England in the RSC on May 26. Doolin will name his team later today but intends to give all his players a run-out. “This match isn’t about the result, it’s purely about performance,” said Doolin. “It will be a useful exercise as we prepare for a big match against England in Waterford on Wednesday week.” This evening’s game, which kicks off at 6.30pm in Gannon Park is not open to the public. Trapattoni also revealed yesterday that another training game is planned for Friday against either League One side Charlton or the Irish amateur team.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Keiren Westwood (Coventry); Paul McShane (Hull), Shane Duffy (Everton), Darren O’Dea (Celtic), Eddie Nolan (Preston) or Greg Cunningham (Man City); Liam Lawrence (Stoke), Paul Green (Derby), Keith Fahey (Birmingham City), Shane Long (Reading); Leon Best (Newcastle), Cillian Sheridan (Celtic).
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