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Trapattoni expressed satisfaction with the Irish team's display. INPHO/Donall Farmer
Match reaction

Trapattoni hints Ward may start Slovakia clash

Plus, give your thoughts on whether or not the Wolves man should start next month, in our latest poll.

WHILE LITTLE MAY have been learned from Ireland’s game with Croatia last night, there was at least one positive to take from the evening: the performance of Stephen Ward.

The Wolves man was part of a rock-solid Irish defence that never really looked like conceding and on the few occasions that Croatia threatened to break the deadlock, Ward was invariably on hand to cut out the danger.

When asked if Ward had done enough to start against Slovakia, Giovanni Trapattoni responded: “Yes, because he showed good personality against a dangerous opponent.”

Whether Ward actually does start the game is another matter of course, however he will have done himself no harm with his performance last night.

As regards the team’s overall display, Trapattoni seemed relatively satisfied with the evening’s work.

“Croatia is a strong team,” he said. “We had respect for them, but not fear. I think a draw was a fair result, as both teams had only one or two chances.”

Trapattoni also admitted that Ireland’s attacking display was not quite as satisfying as it was from a defensive viewpoint. Asked to explain how this can be improved, he replied:

“When the players are incisive, they can make a difference.”

While the Ireland manager acknowledged that his side were a tad fortunate not to give away a penalty in the first half, he professed satisfaction with the fact that the team secured their fifth clean sheet in a row.

“I  am happy, because when we prepare, the players are understanding me. The team has improved very much and doesn’t give away as many needless fouls anymore.”

He was full of praise also, for Ireland’s returning first-choice defensive partnership of Richard Dunne and Sean St Ledger, saying: “They complete each other and work well together. They can sense the ball.”

On another positive note, Trapattoni said he anticipated that most of his injured players would return for the upcoming European qualifiers, though adding: “Doyle, maybe not.”

Spurs team-mates Robbie Keane and Luka Modric grapple at a free-kick. INPHO/Donall Farmer

Meanwhile, his opposite number, Slaven Bilic, also had words of encouragement for the Irish side, ahead of next month’s games. He believes that Trapattoni’s side will “always have a chance – especially at home”. However, he added that if he were their manager, he would “prefer” to be facing Russia at home and Slovakia away – not the other way around.

Nonetheless, while Bilic may not be entirely convinced Ireland have the ability to beat Russia away, Trapattoni continues to keep proving all doubters wrong.

So Trap seems to have faith in the Wolves man, but do you think Stephen Ward should start against Slovakia?


Poll Results:

Yes, he has earned the right to be given a chance at left-back. (117)
Only if Kevin Kilbane is unavailable. (17)
No, we have better options. (7)

Read: As it happened: Ireland v Croatia>

Read: Russia back to winning ways against Serbia>

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