In with the old, in with the new too

FRIENDLY games might be made for offering youth its chance but, in the Giovanni Trapattoni scheme of things, they are also a country for old men — especially if the veterans are badly in need of a run-out.

In with the old, in with the new too

So it was that, at yesterday’s squad announcement for the November 17 friendly against Norway, almost as much time was spent discussing veterans like Robbie Keane and Shay Given as was devoted to the enforced absence of James McCarthy and a senior call-up for Jonathan Walters.

“I stand by Robbie,” said Trapattoni of Ireland’s captain and all-time record goalscorer. “Sure he’s not like he was 10 years ago but Robbie is Robbie. Until we find another striker who is as clever as he is we can’t change the situation. Maybe he’s 20 per cent less than two years ago, but it’s still enough, he is still very important for us. We have to play these guys until we have others who can replace them.

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