Soccer:Former Ireland internationals John Aldridge and Ray Houghton have backed Giovanni Trapattoni's last-minute decision not to take defender Kevin Foley to the European Championships.

Houghton said the decision was reminiscent of that taken by Jack Charlton in 1990 when he replaced midfielder Gary Waddock with Alan McLoughlin just as the squad were due to fly to Malta to prepare for the World Cup.

“It is hard to take. Our hearts go out to Kevin," said Houghton. "There’s never a nice way to be told you’re not part of the 23. It is a horrible, horrible feeling. He’s had a terrible season with relegation with Wolves and this compounds that."

However, Houghton said it was the nature of football that players would inevitably be disappointed from time to time.

“You’ve got to remember that managers are paid to make big decisions whether it is the starting 11 or the squad. You have to abide by what the manager does," he added.

When asked if it was fair, Houghton responded that “fairness doesn’t come into it” and pointed out that players all over Europe are being left out of squads.

“Was it the right decision? That’s what Mr Trapattoni believes in. He is the manager, we are not. We can have our opinion on things, but ultimately our opinion doesn’t really count because we don’t pick the team or pick the squad.

“He’s got to feel comfortable in himself as the leader. He’s got to be happy in himself that he has picked the best 23. If he believes that, it is perfectly acceptable."

Aldridge said he agreed with Houghton. “It’s heartbreaking. You’ve got to feel for the player. He’s got to respond next year, pull his sleeves up and make himself a stronger person.”

Both players turned out this morning to watch dozens of camper vans turn up at a filling station in Dublin city centre to avail of €100 worth of free petrol and diesel courtesy of Paddy Power. Long queues formed at Top Oil in Ushers Quay as the advance party of Trap’s Army readied themselves for the big exodus next week.

Few will travel in such luxury as retiring Garda Justin O’Keeffe, known to his friends as Gussy. He intends to put a massive tricolour on the roof of his van with “Gussy says hello” for the helicopters.

He bought a €125,000 Burstner Elegance motor home last year for his impending retirement. It has two televisions, a drinks cabinet, seating for eight people, a gas stove, cruise control and air conditioning.

It has cost him the “price of a small house”, but it will be worth it, he maintains.

He has already done a recce of Poznan three weeks ago. “I went to suss it out. It’s a lovely old city. We’re looking forward to it. There’s four of us going.”

Travelling in less style, but a lot cheaper, are eight fans from Cavan who are travelling in a Nissan Urvan which has nine seats.

They put a notice on Facebook looking for a free van to take to Poland and got it courtesy of Windsor Motors in Liffey Valley who have plastered their logos all over it in return for the loan of the vehicle.

“We’re cute Cavan men, we’re living up to the stereotype,” said Dermot Hogan.