Trap straight back in the game

Giovanni Trapattoni is expected to make prompt use of his FAI reprieve by attending a Premier League game this weekend, with Carrow Road — where Norwich host Arsenal in a late kick-off tomorrow — a likely destination.

The manager’s attendance at a Premier League game would be welcomed by critics who have frequently levelled the accusation that he doesn’t see nearly enough of Irish players in action for their clubs.

Concern about Trapattoni’s habit of relying on Assistant Manager Marco Tardelli and a network of scouts as his eyes and ears in England while he opts to view games on DVD at his home in Milan, is also believed to have been one of the concerns which was raised at an FAI board meeting on Wednesday night which concluded with an agreement that the 73-year-old should remain in charge of the national team.