Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has thrown down the gauntlet to his players after last night’s memorable victory over Italy – qualify for Euro 2012.
Il Trap wants the boys in green to carry their form right through to September when they will host Slovakia at the Aviva Stadium four days before travelling to Russia for another crunch qualifier.
The 2-0 win in Liege last night capped a four game winning streak for Ireland following their defeat of Macedonia at the weekend and claiming the Carling Nations Cup with wins over Northern Ireland and Scotland before that.
The Italian OAP believes his squad knows what it takes to get the results needed for Euro 2012 qualification after recent performances.
“We have played four games in 15 days. We have played Northern Ireland, Scotland – which was a tough match – and then won in Macedonia, which was another tough match, and now Italy,” Trap said.
“I said it before and I was right, we are coming out of these 15 days with the right mentality, the the mentality that we need to go and play against teams like Russia and Slovakia. The lads have understood that fact.”
Casting an eye over last night’s heroics, Trap was thrilled with the overall team display and said that the likes of Stephen Hunt and Darren O’Dea showed they can lead the charge and givea great example.
“They [Hunt and O’Dea] showed they have the heart to play, a heart that a lot of Irish players have,” the Italian said.
“I wish that those who don’t necessarily have the heart that it takes to be here would take the example of these players.”
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