‘Robbie is my Totti’, says Trap

Giovanni Trapattoni has labelled Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane as 'my Totti', with reference to the legendary Italian player Francesco Totti.

Emphasising that player selection is all about analysing players' strengths, he explained the importance of the Tottenham player.

He said: "Robbie, he can play like Totti. He is not the same as Morrison. When you ask 'Why Folan?', I say Folan is a different striker, he gives us another option."

The Republic of Ireland manager also left the door open for a return to the international scene for Lee Carsley, Clinton Morisson and Steve Finnan.

He said: "Never say never. At the moment we have to play with a team, 11 players. Morrison I know, also Doyle who came back into the team with Robbie, they are playing very well together. Caleb Folan played very well in the last game against Italy, Best did the same."