Houghton: Trap reminds me of Fergie

Ray Houghton has likened the enthusiasm of new Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni to that of Alex Ferguson.

As one of the three members of the head-hunting panel designed to find a successor to the axed Steve Staunton, former Ireland star Houghton was bowled over by the Italian, whose wages are being sponsored by billionaire businessman Denis O’Brien.

Despite the 68-year-old having won 10 league championships in four different countries and every European trophy, Houghton was amazed by Trapattoni’s desire to still succeed.

Houghton, Don Howe and head of the panel Don Givens emerged from a two-hour meeting with the former Italy boss in Salzburg on Sunday night, and were instantly of the view they had their man.

Confirmation of Trapattoni’s appointment ended a 112-day wait for a new manager, with the Italian signing a new contract that starts on May 1 once he has concluded his duties with Red Bull Salzburg.

Houghton said: “I want to reassure the Irish public that it was an extensive procedure we went through, and I know it went on longer than we all hoped it would.

“Time wasn’t an issue for us and that’s why it did take longer than it should have done, but, ultimately, we believe we’ve the man to take the team forward because you can’t fault his credentials.

“People might question his age, but I can assure you his fitness is not in question because he is someone who runs and trains with the team.

“He also has an unbelievable passion for the game, and I would liken him to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United on that because this is something he wants to do.

“When we spoke to him, he first told us he wanted to come and be part of Ireland’s future, to take the international team forward to 2010 (the World Cup finals).

“He believes in the players, and his ambition as to what he feels the Irish team can do is unquestionable.”

Houghton was further impressed by Trapattoni’s attention to detail as he added: “When he spoke with the three of us, he had all his paperwork to hand, outlining the (qualifying) group and who we are playing.

“He was extremely pleased the first two games are away, and he is also extremely pleased about the timing of the games with Italy.

“We had questions about those matches because he is Italian, and his answer was simple.

“He said: ’You know as ex-professionals you always want to beat the team you have previously played for, and that’s no different for me’. So he is really up for the campaign ahead.

“I couldn’t give someone a more glowing report. You have to look at someone in the eyes to believe they are the one to put forward as an international manager.

“And after speaking to him for two hours, hand on heart 100%, there was no question he is the right man for us.

“The two Dons and myself, we knew we had found the man that night. We believe we have gone down the right path to get the right man in, and I believe he is here.”

Houghton is now demanding Trapattoni – whose first game in charge will be a friendly against Serbia at Croke Park on May 24 – be given the support he deserves if he is to achieve his aims.

“We should all get behind him now. We have not qualified in our last three campaigns, and we have to remember that,” remarked Houghton.

“So let’s get behind him, the players and ensure that in 2010 we are there at the World Cup.”