REPUBLIC OF Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni allayed fears of another falling out with Shane Long yesterday and also noted Darron Gibson’s imminent return to the squad before the World Cup qualifier against Sweden in March.
Both players are currently injured but Trapattoni confirmed he had recent contact with the West Bromwich Albion striker and Everton midfielder.
The reversal in the Gibson situation was the most surprising turn of events at yesterday’s squad announcement at FAI headquarters in Abbotstown. The 25-year-old Derryman refused to play in the friendly against Oman after being deemed surplus to requirements at last summer’s European Championships.
“Yes, I spoke after the Faroes, he said, ‘Mr I am with the toe but he said, ‘No problem, I will be ready but at the moment I cannot play’. He said to me no problem. He was disappointed at the Euros but I was the first person disappointed with the Euros.”
The absence of Long from yesterday’s squad to face Greece in Dublin on November 14th, which will be shortened to 23 players, was put down to a sore knee and damaged thigh.
Trapattoni called Long “idiotic” last August when the player denied he was injured despite being withdrawn from the Serbia friendly.
However, the Ireland manager called the Tipperary native, who has scored five goals for WBA this season, on Tuesday when the injury was confirmed.
“We also received update from the doctor,” said Trapattoni. “He said to me I have a hamstring. He has a knock under the knee. I hope he can play Saturday.”
WBA play Southampton on Monday at the Hawthorns. If Long’s MRI scan shows no serious damage he may be added to the Irish striker roster, which is already without Robbie Keane, as he is remaining in California with the LA Galaxy.
“I said Robbie to wait. I spoke with him and no problem, we will see you in February.”
There is currently only three centre forwards in the squad – Kevin Doyle, Simon Cox and Jon Walters, who have a combined total of 15 international goals and 86 caps. Judging on recent selection, all three are ahead of Long in the pecking order.
On the issue of Norwich City striker Anthony Pilkington declaring for Ireland, having already played at under-21, Trapattoni said: “I sent SMS but at this moment we have to ask as we need to make the passport. We have doubt situation. He has good quality but we need time.
“Until now he must answer us. It’s not the first time. There is no contact, he is not our player.”
However, Trapattoni will attend Norwich against Stoke on Saturday. Along with Wes Hoolahan’s return, there were notable call-ups to the squad for uncapped Everton defender Shane Duffy, Crystal Palace’s Damien Delaney, Aston Villa centre back Ciarán Clark and Chelsea’s Conor Clifford.
“We have a great squad because until now we have three or four players that we are not sure if they are injured or not. We will choose 23 then. After Saturday with the doctor we will have the final list. Some players, we are not sure if they will play or not.
“With this friendly, it’s another opportunity for two or three young players to increase their experience in the international game, like Coleman, McCarthy, also Brady because it’s very important that they can continue to play. This shirt in the national team is very, very heavy and they can increase their personality and confidence. We are sure we can have trust about them.”
