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18th Jan 2012

Marc Wilson baffled by Trap’s call for an apology

The Stoke midfielder still harbours hopes of making it into the Irish team but Marc Wilson has no idea why Giovanni Trapattoni wants him to apologise.

JOE

The Stoke midfielder still harbours hopes of making it into the Irish team but Marc Wilson has no idea why Giovanni Trapattoni wants him to apologise.

In his press conference on Friday Trap told the assembled press that Wilson’s actions had not pleased him and that was why he was frozen out.

“I cannot say why,” said Trapattoni. “But important reasons. The players have to have a certain behaviour when they come into the team. They cannot betray the other, loyal players. If he wishes to go, then no problem.”

When pushed on what he would have to do to get back in Trap said: “When he sees us and says, ‘I’m sorry, I made a great mistake’.”

Now Wilson, who just last week confirmed his committment to the Republic of Ireland cause, has responded and he sounds as confused about the whole thing as we are.

“I’m in the dark about it. If I had done something wrong I’d have no problem with the manager saying that. I’d hold my hand up and apologise for what I’d done. I’d gladly do that,” Wilson is quoted as saying in today’s Irish Examiner.

“If I’ve done something to upset the manager, neither he nor the FAI have said to me what that is, so I can’t apologise when I don’t know what I have done,” he said.

“I am big enough and old enough to say sorry when I have crossed the line or broken the rules but that is not the case this time.”

But despite his confusion, Wilson is willing to make the first step.

“If I need to make an approach to the manager and try to clear this up, then I will do that,” he said.

Late last night Trapattoni responded via the FAI, saying: “We’ll continue to monitor Wilson and we will not exclude him. We’re happy he’s confirmed that he wants to stay with us. That’s all we have to say about it at the moment.”

Hopefully this matter can be resolved before Euro 2012 but the next squad announcement should be interesting.

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