Soccer:Giovanni Trapattoni took his first official training session of the Euro 2012 finals campaign at Malahide's Gannon Park today, with some slight concerns over the fitness of a couple of those who reported for duty early.
Midfielder Keith Fahey (groin) and defender Kevin Foley (hamstring) have both arrived carrying knocks but, it would appear, they are feeling their way back to fitness and the manager felt it was best they did that under his watch, rather than back at Birmingham City or Wolves respectively.
“The doctor thinks in maybe a week or 10 days they could be fit,” said the Italian after overseeing a light session for another eight of his 23-man squad. “They are both important for us. It was important to have this check. They could also stay at their clubs but we can see what happens here with our physio and doctor.”
The pair worked separately from the main group that comprised goalkeepers Keiren Westwood and David Forde, defenders Darren O’Dea, Sean St Ledger, midfielders Darron Gibson, Stephen Hunt, James McClean and striker Simon Cox.
“I said thanks to this group because for them it was a little sacrifice. We know they had a very long, tough season. I know they have family but I said also, remember there is also other national teams, for example in Italy, who finish Sunday.
“Then they go 40 hours at home but they have always reported. It’s a sacrifice but we have to be proud to play for our country. I think this group understands very well.”
The rest of the squad, including captain Robbie Keane whose club LA Galaxy play on Saturday, are expected to arrive in Dublin on Monday to begin preparations. The manager and match analyst Brian McCarthy already have plenty of homework on Croatia, Spain and Italy, ready and waiting.
“I saw a minimum 30 DVDs of Spain, Italy, Croatia, official games and friendly games, because I want to know every little detail. I wish to give the team 100 per cent about our players and opponents. We must start the game with enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is very important for the national team.”
He added: “We analyse every little detail. There are also in these games against Spain for example, little situations we can watch and understand what is possible … to improve.”
Trapattoni is the only manager from Group C to have revealed his final squad as yet. His counterparts – Croatia’s Slaven Bilic, Spain’s Vicente Del Bosque and Italian Cesare Prandelli – all still have tough decisions to make.
It’s no advantage either way, says the Ireland boss, merely an indication of the depth of talent available to his opponents.
“Our squad is one more, one less. We have not 33 or 34 like Italy. Italy has the league, Spain has the league, many Croats play in Croatia, Germany and England. Our team has only a few options.
“Our players play in three, four or five teams. This squad is enough. We could also have 28 [like Croatia]. We have these two or three options, [but] we don’t have like Spain who could have two squads.”
Ireland play Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Aviva Stadium on May 26th. They then depart for Italy for a training camp and game against a Serie C XI (May 29th) before departing for Budapest, where they will take on Hungary on June 4th.
Their Euro 2012 campaign gets underway against Croatia in Poznan, Poland, on June 10th, before a meeting with Spain in Gdansk on the 14th and the final group game against Italy back in Poznan on the 18th.
