Euro 2012: Trapattoni calls on 26-player squad for play-offs
Euro 2012: Trapattoni calls on 26-player squad for
The Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has named a 26-player squad to take for the decisive Euro 2012 play-offs against Estonia, on November 11. The list includes Robbie Keane and Shane Long, who had been ruled out due to injury.
The LA Galaxy striker has a muscle-related injury and was expected to stay four weeks sidelined, while WBA’s Long was supposed to be out for a further two-weeks than the former Liverpool and Tottenham starlet.
Paul McShane and Manchester United’s Darron Gibson are also back in contention after they recovered from injuries. Kilbane and Kevin foley had opposite luck as they were dropped from the last list.
Kevin Doyle, who was sent off in the final qualifier against Armenia, was called as well by Trapattoni despite being banned for the first leg.
No complacency
At the play-off draw, Estonia were seen as the weakest side. Ireland are, thus, favourites for the double-legged clash, but the Italian boss wants no complacency on the team.
“We will remember that Estonia have as much right to be in play-off as ourselves. There is no room for complacency as we prepare for our two games next month.”
Trapattoni reminded the Estonians achieved good results in the qualifiers group stage so the Irish will be prepared to prevent any negative surprises.
“They have had some very good results in their group beating Serbia and Slovenia. They also caused Italy problems. They will be a huge challenge for us and we must maintain the correct mentality from start to finish.”
