Trap sends out open invitation to England

IT’S down to the English FA to make the final decision on any prospective pre-Euro 2012 friendly with Ireland, according to Giovanni Trapattoni.

The Ireland manager declared yesterday he is fully in favour of such a friendly just before the competition begins, as he now looks to finalise preparation having settled the details for Ireland’s tournament base in Gdynia. And, now that UEFA have relaxed the rule prohibiting qualified countries from playing each other 30 days before Euro 2012, the ultimate decision will rest with the English body.

“We’d certainly be open to a friendly against England,” Trapattoni said yesterday. “The news that UEFA have given the go-ahead for a match in the month before the championships opens that possibility. It will come down to whether England want to play.”