Tinkering the little details could be crucial to Irish hopes

When you really stop and think about it, Giovanni Trapattoni’s comments on Monday night were pretty startling.

After four years of absolutely refusing to budge from the same rigid 4-4-2 formation, he was suddenly — and very surprisingly — contemplating a switch to three in midfield. It’s even more amazing when you consider the recent context.

Look, after all, at what failed to convince him. In March 2009, there was a constant concession of possession to Bulgaria. In October 2010, there was a filleting at the feet of Russia. Five months later, there were the problems Macedonia posed at Lansdowne Road. And, in September of last year, there was the miracle of Moscow.