Trap a happy birthday boy

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni turns 70 today delighted with his lot.

The Italian celebrates his landmark birthday on St Patrick’s Day with his side sitting level with reigning champions Italy at the top of World Cup qualifying Group 8 and in with a real chance of reaching next summer’s finals in South Africa.

He has been in charge of the Ireland team since May last year and, having guided them to three victories and a draw in his first four qualifiers, is more than satisfied with how things have gone to date.

Trapattoni told fifa.com: “Yes, I have been very happy.

“The team has played extremely well and achieved some very important results in our early matches.

“Now my hope is that the players continue with the same spirit, mentality and attitude that has been so important to us so far.”

Ireland will continue their campaign when Bulgaria head for Croke Park on March 28 in a game that could see the home side extend their seven-point lead over the team in closest pursuit.

However, it is perhaps the game four days later that has captured the respective imaginations of the two nations currently closest to Trapattoni’s heart.

The Republic will meet Italy in Bari on April 1 in a contest that will pitch the 70-year-old into direct competition with compatriot Marcello Lippi.

With Fabio Capello also having turned around England’s fortunes, Italian expertise is proving effective in several different corners of Europe, although Trapattoni believes experience, rather than shared nationality, is the secret.

He said: “I think it’s not so much that Italians have a particular talent but rather the product of the experience Fabio and I have, especially our experience of coaching abroad.

“Fabio has been in charge at Real Madrid, one of the biggest and most famous clubs in the world, and I have coached at clubs like Bayern [Munich] and Benfica.

“In these jobs, you have to deal with many football cultures and that prepares you well for coaching a foreign national team.

“But I don’t have all the answers, of course. Experience only helps.”

Trapattoni named a 26-man squad for the two games yesterday with uncapped Celtic defender Darren O’Dea the only addition to the party for last month’s win over Georgia.

Victory over Bulgaria would send Ireland into a run of away games against Italy, Bulgaria and Cyprus that could have a major say in the outcome of the group before they return to Dublin for clashes with Italy and Montenegro in October.