Trap wants first leg of play-off away from home

Giovanni Trapattoni has said he would prefer to have the first leg of the play-offs in November away from home, but has conceded that the possible play-off opponents are "very strong".

The Republic's final World Cup qualifier against Montenegro on Wednesday will have no bearing on Ireland's play-off spot for the World Cup finals in South Africa next year, so Trap's focus is now on the play-offs.

The Republic of Ireland manager mentioned the likes of Russia, Croatia, Portugal, Sweden and Ukraine as possible opponents and admitted they are "strong teams".

Giving his reason for wanting an away leg first in the play-offs against such strong opponents, Trapattoni said: "Because the strangest things can happen when you play your second game at home."

But Trapattoni did stress that the Ireland squad should take heart from their performances against world champions Italy in the qualifiers.

He said: "In Bari, they had 10 against 11, maybe they had an excuse," but on Saturday, "no."

"Our opponents will be a famous team, but now we have become a famous team."