Wenger backs Ireland to spoil

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes the Republic of Ireland face a major task to progress at Euro 2012 — but says they could prove to be awkward opponents.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s side are seen as the outsiders to qualify from Group C, which also contains European and world champions Spain, Italy and Croatia.

While Wenger does not expect them to make it through, he feels they could have a say in how the group unfolds.