Tardelli keen on succeeding Trap

Marco Tardelli has said that he would like to take the reins of the Republic of Ireland team after Giovanni Trapattoni.

The assistant manager had previously been backed by his former colleague Liam Brady as the logical choice to fill the veteran Italian’s shoes but, until now, Tardelli himself has stopped short of explicitly staking a claim on the top job in Irish football.

However, speaking at the launch of a nationwide five-a-side competition in the Aviva Stadium yesterday, the 56-year-old declared his interest.

“When and if Giovanni decides to stop, I would be very proud to be able to stay here,” he said.

Of course, the subject is entirely speculative given that the duo have a contract until next year and Trapattoni has already said that he would love to lead Ireland to the world cup finals in Brazil in 2014. Indeed, when asked about this yesterday, Tardelli quipped: “Why not 2016?”

But the issue which will surely decide the Italians’ future is whether or not they can oversee qualification for next summer’s European championship finals. Tardelli insisted that, any assessment should not be reliant on qualification.

“No. I don’t think so. I think the Irish people think that we do a good job. And I think we have done a good job. There is progress, there are many young players now.

“If we don’t qualify (for Poland and Ukraine), the FAI will decide what they want. I think we have already reached some objectives.

“The first match against Armenia – many journalists said it would be very easy. But Armenia is a good team. You know that now. In Yerevan, but also away. Russia is a good team. Slovakia is a good team. Also, Ireland is a good team. And now we are (joint) first in the table.

“I think our work is very good. We find many young players for the future and I think if we qualify or not then it’s a decision for the FAI to offer a new contract or not. I would prefer to stay here.

“But we have to evaluate the work that’s been done so far and decide on the basis of the project. It’s true that results are important. But, let’s not forget, we have gone up 10 points in the world rankings, let’s not forget that. Each to their own decisions, but we will continue to be proud to have worked here and for the work we’ve done, independently of the decision of the FAI.”

Reporting on the possible runners and riders for the June 4 game against Macedonia in Skopje, Tardelli confirmed that Derby’s Paul Green will miss the game as a result of a serious knee injury but added the player still hopes to be back in contention for the qualification run-in in the Autumn.

Whether or not that comes to pass, Tardelli said he’s happy with the central midfield alternatives.

“We have (Darron) Gibson, (Keith) Fahey, (Glenn) Whelan. Also Keith Andrews. I sent a message to Keith and he sent me another message, and he told me ‘I am ready in three or four weeks’, because he starts back training.

“We have many options. We have also (James) McCarthy. He can play behind the striker but it’s also possible for him to play in midfield.”

Tardelli hailed Kevin Doyle’s determination to recover for the May friendlies and that key date in Skopje but was keen to talk up other options including Shane Long and even Caleb Folan who now plays with Colorado Rapids in the States. The Italian also warmly welcomed the return to action of Manchester United’s John O’ Shea.

“We are very happy he will be with us against Macedonia. We have a big problem with (Richard) Dunne being out and we need John O’Shea.

And Shay Given?

“I think, I hope for Shay Given’s sake, he will be back. (Keiren) Westwood plays very well, but we need all players. We need Given, Westwood, all the other players. When there is a full squad, we are very happy.