Wexford Youths manager backs Trapattoni for Ireland job

Wexford Youths FC manager and owner, Mick Wallace, has given his backing to Giovanni Trapattoni to take over as the new Republic of Ireland manager.

Italian enthusiast Wallace has been calling for the FAI to bring in a European coach since Steve Staunton's acrimonious departure last year, and he feels that if the Italian legend is available and interested in the position that the FAI would be very foolish to appoint the other leading candidate, Terry Venables, instead of the former AC Milan and Juventus manager.

"I'd like to see Trapattoni get it - he wouldn't be my first choice but he's a lot better than any other names from across the water," Wallace said.

"If it's between Trapattoni and Venables, well there's no contest really. Trapattoni's appetite is greater than Venables's - he's still managing a team for a start - and I don't think Venables has the appetite required for the job. People question Trapattonis age but he's only three years older than Venables.

"There's no doubt that Venables was good, but he doesn't have the appetite for the Irish job now and he was a disaster alongside McClaren for England. Trapattoni is past his best as well but if he gets the job he would be a great appointment as he's a winner.

"Trapattoni is also accused of being too conservative, but Italy and Germany are the two most successful European sides and regularly accused of being too cautious, so conservatism yields results and obviously works," Wallace added.