Trap reverts to type

First, Giovanni Trapattoni appeared to confound popular logic by leaving James McClean out of the latest Irish squad. Then he appeared to confound his own logic by calling him up.

But, now, as Ireland go into their final European Championships warm-up game before May, the manager has reverted to type.

The only changes he has opted to make for tonight’s starting 11 against the Czech Republic at the Aviva Stadium are enforced by injury, Darren O’Dea deputising for Richard Dunne and Shane Long coming in for Kevin Doyle, who had to withdraw yesterday with a hamstring problem. Keith Fahey is another out with injury and, with Darron Gibson also absent, that should theoretically enhance James McCarthy’s chances of seeing some action before the night is out.