Trap throws down Ireland test

Last updated : 17 August 2009 By Paul Jennings
Giovanni Trapattoni has questioned exiled Corkman Stephen Ireland whether he has the heart to play against the top sides in International football. It is two years next month since he left the Irish team, but his displays for Manchester City in that time have been fantastic.

Trapattoni has asked Ireland to reconsider and wondered if he has the hunger to return.

He said on www.elevenaside.com

"I wish he comes back but I think I know why he has not because I have had many players like him. We are David and Italy are Goliath. I used to think I could not play against Goliath, against players like Pele, Johan Cruyff and Eusebio. I could have gone and hidden but I didn't.

"I became famous because I played against these famous players, but because I myself was famous. I was not the good player but I was marking them. I had the willingness to play.

"I am proud of the players I have in the squad now because they all play with heart. We might make mistakes but they play with heart."




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