Ward backs Trap to lead Ireland to Brazil

STEPHEN WARD has backed Giovanni Trapattoni to guide the Republic of Ireland to the 2014 World Cup.

Trapattoni agreed a two-year contract extension yesterday and the Wolves defender believes the Italian can follow up on qualification for Euro 2012 by leading the Boys in Green to Brazil.

Ward, pictured, said reaching Euro 2012 has given the country “a massive lift’’ and Trapattoni has done a “fantastic’’ job since taking charge in 2008.

And Ward, who played in both legs of the play-off win over Estonia to reach Poland and Ukraine, believes Trapattoni is the man to lead the team through a tough qualifying group that includes Germany and Sweden.

“It’s good news for us as a squad of players,” Ward told Sky Sports News. “I think he has done a fantastic job since he’s taken over the national side. Qualifying for the European Championship has been great for him and great for us and I suppose there’s no better man to take us on, hopefully, to the World Cup in 2014. I think the job he’s done has really given the country a massive lift. The way he’s taken over and helped us qualify for a major tournament there is definitely no better man to do it again in the World Cup qualifying campaign.”