FAI move closer to appointment

The Football Association of Ireland hope to rubber-stamp a new manager in the aftermath of Wednesday‘s fixture against Brazil – with Italian veteran Giovanni Trapattoni favourite for the post.

Reports last night also suggested former Derby and Preston manager Billy Davies was due to have talks with the FAI on while former England coach Terry Venables has been linked with the post for a long time.

Trapattoni, currently in charge of Austrian club Salzburg, has also coached Italy, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Fiorentina, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Benfica.

Meanwhile, Republic caretaker manager Don Givens has called up Ipswich’s Alex Bruce after Bolton defender Andy O’Brien’s decision to quit international football.

O’Brien, 28, was named in the original squad for the Brazil match at Croke Park but did not turn up for training yesterday.

Givens, chairman of the selection process to find a successor to Steve Staunton as manager, has yet to be notified of O’Brien’s decision personally.

“I haven’t been able to make any contact with Andy O’Brien, so I’ve called in Alex Bruce,” confirmed Givens.

Blackburn’s Steven Reid is an injury doubt after missing training sessions with a knee problem.

However, Tottenham striker Robbie Keane came through the work-out after an ankle niggle prevented his participation.

“Steven Reid sat out the session because he has an injury problem, which is a bit more than we thought,” Givens told fai.ie. “Robbie’s injury has cleared up and he’ll be fine.”