Kerr: It’s like Trap getting Italy

BRIAN KERR has admitted to mixed feelings about his Faroe Islands side drawing the Republic of Ireland in the qualifiers for World Cup 2014.

Top seeds Germany might be the big name as well as the biggest threat in Group C but the prospect of a former Ireland manager coming up against Giovanni Trapattoni can only add extra spice to the games against the North Atlantic minnows.

“It was only a nine to one chance but I kind of had a feeling after we got Northern Ireland the last time that it might come up,” says Kerr, who was Ireland manager when we last played the Faroes in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.

“I suppose it’s a bit like Trapattoni getting Italy in the last one.

“I would have kind of mixed feelings about the draw. There’d be a bit of me saying that I’d like to be coming back with a team that I’d have a real chance with. The reality is that the Republic of Ireland should beat the Faroes out of sight. But when it comes to it, let’s see how we are.’’

Whether Kerr himself is still in charge by then also remains to be seen, the Dubliner admitting that managing minnows is not without its unique pressures.

“My contrast runs to the end of this current tournament,” he points out. “We’ll see after that. Ideally, I’d like to be involved in a game against the Republic of Ireland But a lot can happen in 14 months. It’s very hard mentally for me. Generally with teams I’ve managed we could win, qualify for tournaments and get into contention. It’s much more difficult with the Faroes.”

Kerr says that he has moved on from the disappointment he felt at being relieved of his Irish management job by the FAI six years ago.

“I don’t have any dealings with them now,” he says. “I don’t have any feelings about it now. I just let them get on with it and do as they wish.”

For his part, FAI boss John Delaney — a prime mover in replacing Kerr with Steve Staunton — declined to be drawn when asked if Ireland coming up against the Kerr would be a cause of personal awkwardness.

“I wouldn’t even go down that route,” he said. “He manages the Faroe Islands and we’re playing them in two matches and hopefully we’ll win both matches. It’s not an issue for me or the association who the manager of any other country is.’’

Meanwhile, Trapattoni reckons Kerr’s presence in the opposition dug-out will add an extra ingredient into the mix when the two countries meet.

“Brian Kerr certainly knows the Irish players and that will be a stimulus for them,” he says.

“The game will have a different dynamic but it’s one we’ll go into, like every other match, by preparing very well.”