A tale of two chiefs for Andrews

26 March 2009 08:30
Keith Andrews has hailed the impact of managers Giovanni Trapattoni and Sam Allardyce as he attempts to achieve a double goal.The Republic of Ireland midfielder is hoping to head for the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer having played his part in a successful fight for Premier League safety with his club Blackburn.His chances of achieving both aims could depend largely on the leadership provided by the hugely experienced Trapattoni and Allardyce, and he knows exactly how important they could be over the next few weeks.Andrews said: "It does give you confidence. They are two very contrasting characters, the boss here and Big Sam at Blackburn."Each of them has a fantastic reputation and their own way of working, but it is good in both situations."You need someone like that at the helm who you can look to in certain areas and feel that confidence."Hopefully, we will be okay on both fronts."Andrews linked up with the Ireland squad having scored the equaliser in his club's 1-1 draw with West Ham which left them two points clear of the relegation zone with eight games to play.However, all his focus for the next week or so will be on his country and their attempt to qualify for the World Cup finals.They are currently level on points with Group Eight leaders Italy, who they face in Bari next Wednesday evening.But, before that, they entertain Bulgaria at Croke Park on Saturday knowing a fourth win in five qualifiers would ease them 10 points clear of the Bulgarians, who are currently a distant third.That would send them into their showdown with Marcelo Lippi's reigning champions battling it out for the status of top dog in the group, and that would come as yet another boost for a nation which has enjoyed its fair share of sporting success in the last few weeks.The celebrations for Ireland's rugby union Grand Slam were still ongoing when Andrews and his team-mates met up, while boxer Bernard Dunne was crowned WBA super bantamweight champion hours after his compatriots' decisive victory in Cardiff.Now the footballers are hoping to prolong the party.Andrews said: "They say it happens in threes, don't they?"It would be nice to get the couple of results we need for us and the country as a whole."The average Irish person is very patriotic and we do follow our sport very well, no matter what sport it is."I certainly was a keen fan of the rugby on Saturday and was very proud to see them lifting the trophy. It sent tingles down my spine."I am sure likewise they will be watching our two games and wishing us all the best."[LNB]

Source: Eurosport