Trap: Euro qualification helping lift gloom in Ireland

Giovanni Trapattoni believes the Republic of Ireland’s qualification for Euro 2012 has lifted the mood of the nation at a difficult time for the country.

The Italian has guided the Boys in Green to a first major finals since the 2002 World Cup, an achievement he described as ‘‘very emotional” as it was achieved against the backdrop of the economic crash.

“Without a doubt, I’ve put myself into an Ireland that has been facing problems,” Trapattoni said in an interview with UEFA.com. “We also have some problems in Italy, but in this case here, we’re talking about Ireland. They’ve said that the football team with Trapattoni has helped lifting a whole nation, and I have to say it’s been very emotional, because we’ve really lifted the nation.’’