Kelly hits back at Trapattoni play guarantee claims

Republic of Ireland defender Stephen Kelly has hit back at suggestions by manager Giovanni Trapattoni that he only wanted to join up with the squad if he was guaranteed to play.

The 29-year-old Reading full-back was not in Dublin for Wednesday night’s 2-0 friendly victory over Poland despite the absence of the injured Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Seamus Coleman and Darren O’Dea, with the latter excused to continue his pre-season preparations with Major League Soccer side Toronto FC.