Trap says big four will return

Giovanni Trapattoni has expressed complete confidence Robbie Keane, Shay Given, Richard Dunne and Damien Duff will all be available for Ireland’s World Cup campaign, which kicks off in Kazakhstan next month.

Speaking at Gannon Park in Malahide, where a depleted Irish squad gathered ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Serbia in Belgrade, the manager was asked if he was clear in his own mind about the intentions of Ireland’s senior players in the light of much speculation about possible retirement by one or more in the aftermath of those crushingly disappointing Euro finals.

“Very clear,” Trapattoni smiled in response. “I spoke with them after the Euros and said that for this friendly I would leave them at home. They said, ‘no problem, good luck with the game’. But they will be available for the World Cup campaign and will be in the squad for Kazakhstan.