Giovanni Trapattoni full of praise for work of old foe Roy Keane
Keane was heavily critical of former Ireland manager Trapattoni when Ireland crashed and burned in Euro 2012 but the Italian has been impressed by the Corkman’s work in helping Martin O’Neill’s men reach Euro 2016.
“Keane is doing well. He has experience and ideas,” Trapattoni said. “He’s putting the things he learned as a player into practice as a coach.
“He’s had a beautiful human and professional experience in Ireland, having the opportunity to work with cutting-edge facilities and the chance to enjoy a great relationship with the people; who are always passionate about the national team and above all else, always respectful towards the work of the coaches.”
As was the case four years ago, Ireland face a fiendishy difficult group having been pitted against Italy, Sweden and Belgium.
However, Trapattoni believes the Boys in Green can have “a good run” in France.
“Ireland can have a good run at the Euros,” the 76-year-old told Goal.com. “With compactness and good tactics, they can think of doing well.
“It’s clear from a technical point of view, there are stronger squads and therefore Ireland will have to fight a lot to try to do well.”
He added: “Ireland is a squad with great gifts in terms of character and never gives up. On an athletic and physical level, they’re leaders. Tactically, it’s a team that has grown a lot.”
O’Neill, meanwhile, has been urged to include Brentford midfielder Alan Judge in his plans for the Euros.
Judge has yet to be capped at senior level — although he has been named in squads by O’Neill.
Brentford boss Dean Smith doesn’t think that on current form, O’Neill can overlook Judge for much longer.
Judge again starred for Brentford in Tuesday’s 3-0 win against Wolves and Smith said: “Judgey is having a great season so if Martin O’Neill wants to call me I’ll tell him that I think he should be on that plane to France this summer.”
