Green’s joy at ‘massive surprise’

The sweat was still dripping off Paul Green long after Irish training finished beneath the Tuscan sun yesterday but rarely can a man have seemed so happy about working hard in the summertime when he thought the living would be easy.

A late, late addition to the Irish squad on the very eve of departure for Italy and onwards to the Euros, Green was kicking back with a barbecue at his parents’ house in Pontefract on Sunday when the call came through from Mary O’Brien of the FAI’s International Department.

“It was a massive surprise for me and my family,” said Green yesterday. “I recognised the number and just said to myself ‘what’s this all about’? And then she said Trapattoni wants you. I couldn’t believe it. I got off the phone and told my family who were screaming. I had to go straight back to Derby where I live and got in about midnight to get my stuff ready. Then I was up at 4am and on the plane at 6am before meeting up with the players in Dublin. I’ve had loads of texts from family and friends. It’s been a bit surreal but I’m just delighted to be here.”