Source: Team_Talk
Trap adds O'Dea to Ireland squad
Trapattoni, who celebrates his 70th birthday on Tuesday on St Patrick's Day, has named a squad of 26 for the Group 8 clashes with Bulgaria on March 28 and Italy four days later.
The only addition to the party announced for last month's 2-1 win over Georgia is uncapped Celtic defender Darren O'Dea, who scored for his club in their CIS League Cup final victory over arch-rivals Rangers on Sunday.
Trapattoni has guided his side to within goal difference of the world champions with the pair locked together on 10 points after four games.
The Italian will go head-to head with compatriot Marcelo Lippi when the teams meet for the first time in the group in Bari on April 1, four days after Ireland entertain third-placed Bulgaria at Croke Park while the Italians face a tricky trip to Montenegro.
He is determined to fly out of Dublin with a fourth victory in five qualifiers under his belt knowing that a run of three away games which starts in Italy will have a major say in his side's hopes of reaching next summer's finals in South Africa.
Trapattoni said: "So far in this group, Bulgaria have drawn all of their three World Cup qualifying matches.
"I have no doubt they will be invigorated by the appointment of their new manager, Stanimir Stoilov, and they will come to Croke Park looking for a win to kick-start their World Cup qualifying campaign.
"Bulgaria have a strong tradition of football in their country with many well-known players in their squad, so we are under no illusion as to the task that awaits us on March 28.
"This game represents a real opportunity to open a significant gap at the top of the table in Group 8.
"For the next six months, we will be playing away, so strong support in this last home game until October will be vital.
"Every point gained will be valuable in the race to qualify for South Africa."
Ireland have completed a double over Georgia and beaten Cyprus at Croke Park, but had to settle for a point after a hard-fought battle with Montenegro in Podgorica.
Italy have won in Cyprus and beaten Georgia and Montenegro at home, but could only draw 0-0 with Bulgaria in Sofia.
The Bulgarians are currently a distant third in the group after successive draws in Montenegro and Georgia, as well as their shut-out against the current holders.
However, their hopes of finishing in the top two would be dealt a major blow if they left Dublin with nothing to show for their efforts.
Squad: Shay Given (Manchester City), Dean Kiely (West Brom), Kieren Westwood (Coventry; Alex Bruce (Ipswich), Damien Delaney (QPR), John O'Shea (Manchester United), Kevin Foley (Wolves), Paul McShane (Sunderland), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Stephen Kelly (Birmingham), Steve Finnan (Espanyol), Kevin Kilbane (Hull), Darren O'Dea (Celtic); Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Damien Duff (Newcastle), Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Keith Andrews (Blackburn), Liam Miller (QPR), Stephen Hunt (Reading), Andy Keogh (Wolves); Caleb Folan (Hull), Kevin Doyle (Reading), Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Shane Long (Reading), Noel Hunt (Reading).
