Trap full of praise for under 23s
Credit:
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni was full of praise for
Paul Doolin’s under 23 team after they narrowly lost one-nil to the
senior side at Malahide.
A 22nd minute Anthony Stokes goal was all that separated the two teams as the Airtricity players did themselves justice against their professional counterparts. The Italian acknowledged that Doolin’s men were the fitter of the two teams. “In my opinion I saw a good match, especially in terms for our mentality and fitness. It wasn’t easy because the under 23’s were in better physical condition than most of our players because they are still in the middle of their season”.
Ex League of Ireland players Keith Fahey and Brian Murphy are involved in the Ireland training camp and Trap thinks that there is potential for a few more Airtricity players to break into the senior set up. “I saw three or four very interesting players in the under 23’s. I think that we will continue to monitor the progress made by these players still playing in the Airtricity League. I think that they can aspire to join the senior team.
Trapattoni paid particular attention to Shamrock Rovers winger Billy Dennehy and Galway United’s all action midfielder Stephen O’Donnell when praising players.. “Stephen O'Donnell has a good personality and his positioning was very good throughout the game, while Billy Dennehy was good. Shaun Kelly also did well," remarked Trapattoni at the post match press conference.
The Italian also stated that he did watch the under 23’s when Pat Fenlon was in charge. “I also watched many of the 23’s but it has been hard to follow them over the last few months because I was preparing for the France matches. I was following Brennan of Bohemians and I watched him closely in their Champions League run”.
A 22nd minute Anthony Stokes goal was all that separated the two teams as the Airtricity players did themselves justice against their professional counterparts. The Italian acknowledged that Doolin’s men were the fitter of the two teams. “In my opinion I saw a good match, especially in terms for our mentality and fitness. It wasn’t easy because the under 23’s were in better physical condition than most of our players because they are still in the middle of their season”.
Ex League of Ireland players Keith Fahey and Brian Murphy are involved in the Ireland training camp and Trap thinks that there is potential for a few more Airtricity players to break into the senior set up. “I saw three or four very interesting players in the under 23’s. I think that we will continue to monitor the progress made by these players still playing in the Airtricity League. I think that they can aspire to join the senior team.
Trapattoni paid particular attention to Shamrock Rovers winger Billy Dennehy and Galway United’s all action midfielder Stephen O’Donnell when praising players.. “Stephen O'Donnell has a good personality and his positioning was very good throughout the game, while Billy Dennehy was good. Shaun Kelly also did well," remarked Trapattoni at the post match press conference.
The Italian also stated that he did watch the under 23’s when Pat Fenlon was in charge. “I also watched many of the 23’s but it has been hard to follow them over the last few months because I was preparing for the France matches. I was following Brennan of Bohemians and I watched him closely in their Champions League run”.
