Boss says Tardelli can succeed him

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI would like Marco Tardelli to succeed him as Ireland manager.

Not that the 72-year-old is in any hurry to step down. Yesterday, in response to a question about whether he would like to stay on for another four years, never mind two, Trapattoni didn’t rule out the longer haul so long as his health permits and he retains his enthusiasm for the job.

But when asked if he would eventually like Tardelli to succeed him, he replied: “I would like the FAI to give him this opportunity.”