Irwin: Getting to Rio massive ask for Trap

Denis Irwin has defended embattled Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni, but conceded the Italian faces a mammoth task to guide the Republic to the 2014 World Cup in Rio.

Trapattoni came under fire after Ireland’s chastening Euros experience and the pressure on the 73-year-old increased following the laboured last-gasp 2-1 victory over Kazakhstan and James McClean’s subsequent Twitter outburst.

The nature of Friday’s performance led some calls for a change of management but former Ireland and Manchester United defender Irwin feels people have to be realistic about the strength of the current team.