Walters looks to draw line under Trap saga

Republic of Ireland striker Jon Walters believes the FAI’s decision to publicly back manager Giovanni Trapattoni should put an end to speculation over the Italian’s future.

Trapattoni came under pressure after the humiliating 6-1 World Cup qualifier home defeat to Germany earlier this month but Walters has leapt to the defence of the 73-year-old and feels it is now time to look forward.

“John Delaney and the FAI came out and backed him publicly so I think that puts an end to it really as far as we’re concerned,” the Stoke man said. “His record speaks for itself. He got us to the Euros. He’s pulled us right up in the rankings.