Stephen’s delight at Trap’s decision not to Ward off Irish WAGS

Stephen Ward reckons Giovanni Trapattoni has made the right choice by making Ireland’s WAGS welcome at Euro 2012.

The subject of partners and families attending major championships has been a thorny issue for national managers to deal with.

Trapattoni’s fellow countryman Fabio Capello famously banned wives and girlfriends of England’s players from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. But Wolves left-back Ward believes Ireland boss Trapattoni is correct to allow the families to be near their official base in Sopot.

Ward, 26, said: “Some managers don’t want wives or girlfriends staying but I think it’s great. Football will come first but you can’t lock yourself away for 24 hours a day kicking a ball. Players need to be able to switch off and relax at some point and most would want to spend their afternoons off with their family. My mum and dad are going for the whole tournament and my partner, kids and friends are also all coming out for it. They will be staying in a hotel around the corner from where the team is staying. It’s a special moment and they all want to be part of it.”