Trap hails ‘important’ triumph as Ireland celebrate cup glory

“I’M happy for the Irish people because I know it’s 25 years since there was an other trophy.”

So admitted a pleased Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni as he spoke following the celebrations on the pitch after captain, and matchwinner, Robbie Keane had lifted the Carling Nations Cup aloft before the biggest crowd (25,161) of the week.

“I am proud for the Irish people. It’s important. It’s not a friendly game. It’s important for Scotland, for Northern Ireland, for Wales and for us it’s important.