Trap gives youth its chance

FINALLY for Ireland it’s end game and end of season. But tonight’s friendly against Algeria at the RDS could also be the start of something special for Greg Cunningham.

Giovanni Trapattoni, it has been noted, doesn’t lightly throw around the caps and, even though a late defensive reshuffle has been forced on him since the Paraguay game by the departure from the camp of Paul McShane, it’s testament to his confidence in the Galwegian that the Italian is prepared to give a starting place to a 19-year-old who has yet to play a full game for Manchester City.

Though Trapattoni has yet to hit on a settled back four, the left-full position is the one most open to long-term change given that Kevin Kilbane, despite all appearances to the contrary, is not going to go on forever.