Trapattoni will instil some backbone: Givens

Don Givens is confident new Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni will stiffen the resolve of a now all-too-brittle side.

After confirming his appointment yesterday, Trapattoni immediately insisted Ireland could top their World Cup qualifying group when the campaign to reach the 2010 finals starts in September.

It is a boast that may yet come back to haunt Trapattoni, but it speaks volumes with regard to the man’s confidence.

That can only prove infectious for players who undoubtedly lost their way during former boss Steve Staunton’s ill-fated reign.

Trapattoni, due to start work on May 1 once his current commitment to Red Bull Salzburg expires, emerged as the outstanding choice for the three-man head-hunting panel – Givens, Don Howe and Ray Houghton – designed to find the new manager.

The 68-year-old Italian pipped a number of outstanding candidates such as Terry Venables, Graeme Souness, Billy Davies and Lawrie Sanchez.

“There was a broad outline given to us by the FIA as to the man required, that certain boxes had to be ticked, and Trapattoni ticked all the boxes. It’s as simple as that,” said Givens.

“Realistically, at the very start when we set out we didn’t feel we would get someone like we have. That’s a fact.

“But between the three of us, we feel it’s all’s well that ends well, that we have a top man, albeit that it took longer than we hoped.

“But from speaking with him, I know he will be out there working with the players at every given opportunity. He wants to be out there.

“So I don’t think there is any doubt with this manager we will be more difficult to beat. That is fact. Let's face it, you don’t achieve what he has achieved without being ultra-professional.

“His CV is incredible, and the twinkle in his eye tells you he is up for it.”

Trapattoni’s appointment is a remarkable one in that billionaire benefactor Denis O’Brien is to pay half of the Italian’s salary and that of his assistant.

It is a no-strings-attached deal, amounting to €2.5m, as explained by FAI chief executive John Delaney.

“His offer of financial assistance came at a difficult period as Stephen Staunton had just gone and there was a lot of negativity around,” said Delaney.

“But it was a pivotal moment in the recruitment process and enabled us to raise the bar even higher than we had intended.

“When somebody comes forward with an unconditional gesture of that nature, you would be mad not to take it, and he deserves every credit for it.

“It means his money allows us to put more finances into the grassroots of football here in Ireland.”

Delaney could certainly not be happier, finally delivering the big-name appointment he had promised two years ago, only for Staunton to get the job.

“In all honesty the last couple of appointments haven’t worked out, and yes, we’ve had criticism, with some of it deserved, but also some of it went a bit far,” added Delaney.

“But this time we needed a big appointment for Irish football, not just for the FAI, but the fans and public at large.

“I heard Niall Quinn talking about a ’wow’ factor, and I think the guys (the three-man panel) have delivered that.”