Ward: Ireland 'going in right direction' under Trap

Republic of Ireland defender Stephen Ward has said the the Republic of Ireland are "going in the right direction" under manager Giovanni Trapattoni, despite his side's dismal record this year.

Jose Holebas’ first-half strike ensured the Republic finished 2012 with a defeat although the hosts showed plenty of endeavour and they felt they should have had a penalty, with Konstantinos Stafylidis perhaps considering himself extremely fortunate not to be penalised for his less-than-effective attempt to deal with Ward’s deep cross when Ireland dominated early on.