Wednesday D-day for Republic

The Football Association of Ireland have called a board meeting for Wednesday afternoon when they are expected to confirm Giovanni Trapattoni as the new manager of the national team.

FAI chiefs are due to meet with the three-man selection panel who were charged with finding Steve Staunton’s successor – comprising Don Givens, Ray Houghton and Don Howe – at 4.30pm when the veteran Italian will be recommended as the new Republic boss.