Trap: Ireland have ‘51%’ chance of qualification

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni believes his side have “a 51% opportunity” of making the play-offs for the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.

The Italian also expressed gratitude at receiving the backing of the FAI on Wednesday night after the most difficult week of his Irish management career following the 6-1 defeat to Germany at the Aviva Stadium.

“I was very happy and grateful because it was important that the board understood our difficult moment,” he said on Saturday, ahead of the Premier League clash between Norwich and Arsenal at Carrow Road.