Trap: We can confront Germany

Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland prepare to enter a brave new world with their manager still extolling the virtues which have characterised his reign to date.

For the first time since Ireland travelled to Turkey in November 1999, they will start a competitive match against Germany tomorrow night without either Shay Given or Damien Duff, who have retired from international football, or Richard Dunne and 54-goal striker Robbie Keane.