Trap: Qualification campaign will be Duff without Damien

Giovanni Trapattoni has thanked Damien Duff for his contributions to the Republic of Ireland national team after the Fulham midfielder announced his retirement from international football this afternoon.

Having captained the team in his 100^th and subsequently final appearance for Ireland in the final Euro 2012 group game against Italy in June, the Dubliner has called it a day on an international career that spanned 14 years.

Speaking at a press conference to announce his squad ahead of the opening World Cup 2014 qualifier against Kazakhstan next month, Trap said he found out of Duff’s decision through a text message last week.

“I spoke with him after the Euros and said maybe in August during the friendly game we’ll leave you at home and try the young players. He said no problem but last week he sent me an SMS saying ‘I’m sorry I wish to inform you that I want to leave the international team’.

“I spoke with him on the phone to clarify and he said he would prefer to focus on his club. I thanked him and said we’d keep in touch.”

While the Italian went on to praise Duff for his contributions, there was some good news with the inclusion of Robbie Keane in the 23-man squad.

And Trap confirmed that the LA Galaxy striker will keep going for the entire campaign barring injury: “All campaign I don’t know because every few days we have an injury. He said he wishes to be here and once he is not injured he will be there (for the full campaign).

“In 23 games, Robbie has scored 11 goals and two goals last week. He may start but if he is tired we can change. I have no doubt about this.”

The picture was less clear, however, on a crocked Richard Dunne. Trapattoni said he is somewhat ‘confident’ that the defender will be back but is set to meet him in Birmingham tomorrow to clarify before watching Aston Villa take on Everton.

“I have to see with Richard about his injury and what he thinks about it. Kazakhstan is too early but we have time for Germany. Tomorrow I will know better about his decision but I am confident about it.”

There was, however, still no place in the squad for Norwich duo Wes Hoolahan or Anthony Pilkington, with Stephen Hunt also omitted for the trip to Kazakhstan and friendly against Oman in Craven Cottage.

Although he was keen to stress how difficult the group, which also includes Germany and Sweden, will be the manager says the recent friendly in Serbia has made him confident of the younger players, especially since some of the experienced figureheads are now out of the picture.

“They show us that we can have trust and confidence in them. We are aware that our opponents...will be strong. But we must believe we can achieve this (and) qualify for Brazil.

“We need to believe ourselves and our technical ability from the past experiences. We have to maintain disciplined on the pitch by helping each other and show 100% commitment and dedication.

“All of this begins with the Kazakhstan fixture and maybe we can rest some players for the Oman friendly, we’ll decide after the game.”

Republic of Ireland squad to face Kazakhstan and Oman: Westwood, Forde, Randolph; Wilson, O’Shea, St. Ledger, O’Dea, Ward, Kelly, McShane; Whelan, Gibson, McCarthy, Coleman, O’Brien, McGeady, Keogh, McClean; Keane, Doyle, Long, Cox, Walters.