Trapattoni: Ireland should top World Cup group

Giovanni Trapattoni today posted a positive statement of intent by vowing to lead the Republic of Ireland to the 2010 World Cup finals.

Trapattoni has taken up the role of Republic manager on a two-year contract, so ending the Football Association of Ireland's 112-day search for a successor to Steve Staunton, who was sacked at the end of October.

After calling a press conference for 5pm today, 68-year-old Trapattoni stole the FAI's thunder by confirming his new position from Salzburg this morning.

As current manager of Red Bull Salzburg, who are gunning for back-to-back Austrian League titles under the Italian, Trapattoni will not start work until May or possibly even June.

At this stage, he is uncertain whether he will be in charge for the May 24 friendly against Serbia at Croke Park in Dublin, although it is hoped he will be there in some capacity.

Beyond that, qualifying matches for the World Cup finals in South Africa beckon, with Ireland in a group that also - somewhat poignantly for Trapattoni - includes Italy.

Trapattoni is confident Ireland can not only end their barren run of failing to reach the last three major tournaments, but even top the group.

"Ireland are not a second-rate team, they are supposed to be a first-rate team," insisted Trapattoni, who previously managed Italy from 2000 to 2004.

"Qualifying for the World Cup in 2010 will be hard, and playing against the Italian team will make me proud, but it should be possible for Ireland to come first."

Despite the number of candidates mentioned and interviewed for the post by a three-man head-hunting panel, Trapattoni has confirmed he was not approached until earlier this month.

Although his CV in club management is impeccable - featuring numerous league titles and trophies with Juventus, Internazionale, Bayern Munich, Benfica and Salzburg - Trapattoni has insisted it is for family reasons that he has returned to international football.

"This is the time in a year when football managers receive offers, and this is what has happened to me," added Trapattoni.

"In the last two weeks I received offers from various clubs, and about 10 days ago representatives of the Football Association of Ireland approached me. I found their offer very interesting.

"I am very comfortable here in Salzburg. We won the Austrian title last year and we have a great chance to win the title again this year.

"Leaving the title as a farewell present to my Bulls is now my number one aim.

"But the opportunity to manage the Irish team will give me a lot more time to spend with my family.

"Yesterday my lawyers in Milan and representatives of the FAI came to an agreement and I accepted their offer."

It is anticipated Trapattoni will appoint former Italy defender Claudio Gentile as his assistant, and take fitness coach Fausto Rossi with him from Salzburg.

Trapattoni has also insisted there is a role for Liam Brady in the new Irish set-up if he so desires and is comfortable with the former midfielder combining the post with his current youth-team manager duties at Arsenal.

Ireland legend Brady played under Trapattoni in the early 1980s at Juventus and the veteran coach is keen for them to work together again.

"I know Liam from our mutual time at Juventus," said Trapattoni.

"I called him and asked him for his thoughts on my commitment with the FAI, and when he said it was OK, I asked him for assistance if needed.

"I am positive that (Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger, who is a friend of mine, will lend me Liam's services if I called him."