Trapattoni’s concern for injury victim Pilkington

Anthony Pilkington might have pulled out of an Irish squad for no less than the fifth time but, despite the large number of raised eyebrows which must have greeted that recent withdrawal, Giovanni Trapattoni yesterday made it clear that not only has he no doubts about the Norwich man’s commitment to Ireland, he is anxious his current injury problems do not also rule him of out of contention for next month’s World Cup games against Sweden and Austria.

Speaking after an Irish training session in Newport ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Wales, Trapattoni said he had spoken to Wes Hoolahan about his club-mate’s injuries and also texted Pilkington to advise him to take good care of himself.

“Pilkington had to pull out with a swollen knee and it’s a pity because this would have been a good opportunity to see him,” said Ireland’s manager.