Trap hails Keane’s Hammers switch

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI has welcomed Robbie Keane’s transfer to West Ham, just one week after the Ireland manager warned that the striker’s Irish place would be under threat if he didn’t escape his limbo at Spurs.

“I am very happy for this solution,” said Trapattoni from his home in Milan. “I told him that it was very important to find a squad and he said that he would. This will be a good move for his morale and development. With the move we regain a player who is very important both for the squad and for Ireland.”

While Trapattoni had already said that Keane would play against Wales on this day week, it was confirmed yesterday that two other big names — Gareth Bale and Craig Bellamy — will miss the inaugural Carling Nations Cup match at the Aviva Stadium.