Giles - Next three weeks are important

When it comes to football, not many people can argue that Johnny Giles knows what he's talking about. Looking ahead to the upcoming Euro 2012, he spoke to ExtraTime.ie and he thinks that the next three weeks are crucial in preparation for the tournament.

"I think everyone is ready to go now. Time to get good preparation. The Irish team should get a bit of rest in, the lads have played a lot of matches it's important they rest before going into training. Get the injuries out of the way so it's an important three weeks but it's something nice to look forward to.

Giles conceded that he is looking forward to the summer tournament and hopes their usual outspoken nature will give viewers enjoyment also.

"We (Giles, Eamon Dunphy, Liam Brady and Bill O'Herlihy) enjoy the big Championships. Hopefully the viewers will enjoy it as well. With Ireland being involved in it, it gives Irish viewers a little bit more excitement as well. We'll be honest and we'll definitely give our opinion. Whether people will like it or not is another question but we are looking forward to it."

On the tournament as a whole, the Irish soccer legend feels that this one is more competitive than the World Cup and thinks that the higher quality means that less mistakes can be made.
 

"There's definitely more quality in this tournament as opposed to the World Cup. There's less teams so you can't make many mistakes in it. It's a tougher tournament because of the teams in it."
 

Ireland's system and style of play is a topic of much debate and the veteran pundit offered his opinion by saying it's hard to argue with the results it has produced and the managers experience and success is second to none.
 

"The system has definitely worked. I have nothing against the results. They have been very good. I have great respect for Trapattoni. I have great respect for everything he's done and he's got us there. I said earlier, all you have to do is look at his CV and you can see he is a top class manager. Like all managers, you don't agree with everything he does, but I hope no matter what way we get there, we do well in the Championships themselves."

Speaking on Ireland's squad selection, Giles was happy with the squad chosen and is confident that the Irish will give 100% in every match.
 

"Overall I am happy with the squad. James McClean had to be in. He's a Trapattoni kind of player and I am delighted he is in. One thing for sure, the Ireland team will do the best that they can. There won't be any shortage of effort. They will definitely apply themselves and that is all you can ask for so fingers crossed that they do it."
 

Despite his optimism that Ireland will perform well, the former Leeds United player knows that Giovanni Trapattoni's charges aren't favourites to get out of the group but thinks they will be hard to beat.

"We definitely aren't favourites to get out of the group. We have a chance. Realistically we have a chance but hopefully we can get out of the group. We are playing three fantastic teams but we will definitely be hard to beat. The Irish will be hard to beat and that is something we can use to our advantage."

Finally, the former Ireland international tipped reigning champions Spain lift the trophy on July 1st, saying that there quality and strength in depth is superior to all the challengers.
 

"Spain. They mightn't have all their star players and are missing one or two but all you have to do is look at what they have in reserve. Their passing of the ball is fantastic and create so many chances. They're the reigning world champions and you can't really look past them."