Trap eyes 'great opportunity'

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni stressed that this summer’s European Championships are a “great opportunity” for his side. Speaking at a press briefing in Dublin, the Italian began with a New Year’s greeting to all before saying that the upcoming Championships represent ''not a dream, but a great opportunity ''.

“My opinion is that I am sure that the team will not forget what we did for now, and how we achieved the good result. Only with this attitude and this mentality, we can dream. But we’re not dreaming. For me it's not a dream. It is a great opportunity. Now we can play with our quality
and our attitude.”

 
While he is clearly pleased with what was achieved in getting to the Championships, the Italian wants his players to forget what they achieved and look ahead to the next challenge.
 

“We passed 2011 very, very well, but now it is past. (2012) begins now. I think this one, for me, is a very important campaign. I already said this opportunity, is very important. I forget about my success in Italy, because for me, my job is what I can do in the next job. We hope to keep the players without injury and in the same mind psychologically, with the same desire to play.”

 
The 72 year old veteran was also quick to point out that the players who helped the nation qualify for the Championships will be the players to feature in the tournament.

 
Players such as James McClean, may still get their chance but Trap indicated that only in the event of injury, will he be making minimal changes.

 
“I am paying attention to others, but they are for the future, they are for the next squad. This squad got us good results, they achieved the qualifying, and I think they deserve to go. They know our system and our attitude.”
 

Although the friendly in February is seen as a warm up game, Il Trap sees the game as important for two reasons.
 
“It is important on the rankings. Second, we are not trying other ideas. We may try other options to help the squad but the main squad will feature. This is different to other friendlies; this is the start of a new campaign. It is important. ''
 

The manager, who was also asked about facing Italy in the Euro 2012 group, reiterated that he didn't want to play Italy but accepts he has to.
 

“(My) friends say don't beat Italy. Be careful against Italy. I don't like playing Italy but destiny is so. We will look to beat them certainly; we don't give away presents,” he joked.

When asked about how he felt about Robbie Keane's loan to Aston Villa, the boss revealed he was delighted that Ireland’s record goal scorer had made the temporary move.

“I am happy with Robbie. He is moving to England. It is important that he is in the right mentality, he is not injured. England can be dangerous, but I am happy for him”.
 

Trap also spoke of his delight at Darron Gibson's move to Everton – something he had been encouraging.

“At last”, he laughed. “I ask why he sits on the bench, but now he has moved. It is good for him.”

Trapattoni discussed his plans before the Euros and his intention to spend time in Portmarnock and also in Italy, and is lining up a friendly for fitness and conditioning. The Italian also confirmed that there will be a friendly in Dublin, possibly against Bosnia.
 
Trapattoni was also asked by our own Lisa Fallon to a League of Ireland game, but he respectfully declined. Instead he suggested they go for a walk!