Source: Daily_Mail
Giovanni Trapattoni refuses to name team to play Estonia
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni took the unusual step of refusing to name his team for the first leg of the Euro 2012 play-off in Tallinn. [LNB]Although he denied claims that he was playing mind games with opposite number Tarmo Ruutli over who will partner Ireland captain Robbie Keane on Friday night, the wily Italian clearly was when he appeared before the assembled media in the Estonian national stadium on the eve of the match. [LNB] Tester in Tallinn: Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni and captain Robbie Keane[LNB]Sportsmail understands that Trapattoni has already informed his players of his decision and that West Bromwich striker Simon Cox has again got the nod ahead of Stoke's Jon Walters after his man-of-the match heroics against Armenia last month. [LNB]With Kevin Doyle suspended and in the stands, and Shane Long and Leon Best absent and injured, Trapattoni was left with a straight choice between Cox and Walters for the role alongside Keane, who has himself defied Irish doctors to be in the Estonian capital. [LNB]But when the moment came to name his team in his press conference in the A Le Coq Arena, Trapattoni named just 10 starters, and then claimed he was still undecided over the fate of the two rookie strikers. [LNB] Mind games: Trapattoni has not named Keane's strike partner[LNB]Trapattoni said: 'I am sure of 10 players and we must decide whether it is Cox or Walters. We have to decide on the balance of the team and which is best for the first half and the second half. [LNB]'After tomorrow, you can ask me. It is not about keeping Estonia guessing. They know us and we know them and the type of qualities we both have.' [LNB]Earlier in the week, Trapattoni appeared to favour Walters, who has just three caps and is yet to start a competitive match. [LNB]The Stoke striker's physical presence, and his increased game time in the Barclays Premier League this season, also made him look the obvious choice. [LNB]But Cox, who has been the surprise package of this European Championship campaign since breaking into the squad ahead of the Macedonia game in June, has had another good week in training, particularly working alongside Keane. [LNB] Forward thinking: Simon Cox is expected to play up front for Ireland in Tallinn[LNB]Trapattoni's assistant Marco Tardelli has also indicated there is a belief that Keane and Cox would be too similar but the Ireland skipper seemed happy with that. [LNB]Keane said: 'I played with Simon a couple of times and it's worked really well and we all saw how well Jon did last month when he came on against Armenia and I've obviously seen what he can do at Stoke so we know he can handle the occasion. [LNB] Waiting: Jon Walters (centre) could be on the bench[LNB]'It doesn't really matter. When you play with someone for a long time, you get the feel for each other, but whether it is Simon or Jon, we will get on with it.'[LNB] Trapattoni meanwhile is certain his players can go back to Dublin, and Tuesday' s second leg at the Aviva Stadium, with a positive result, and eventually clinch one of the last spots for next summer's finals in Poland and Ukraine. [LNB]He added: 'People say we are favourites, but I don't think so. I believe we can qualify, obviously, but we have another 180 minutes and only after this can we say that we deserve go through, not before. [LNB]'I am an optimist because we have only conceded one goal in the last seven games. Our performances have always been good, so I am confident. [LNB]'I have always said, without arrogance, that we deserve to be where we are. Since the last qualifiers, we have improved the team and we are proud of the job and what we have given the players. [LNB]'We must think about this 180 minutes of our lives, the management, the players, the Irish people. I will be very proud if we achieve qualification because this is the meaning of our jobs.' [LNB] Denis Irwin's big match dossier: I'd expect Ireland to get a result in Estonia Hollywood Knight! LA Galaxy star Keane back from US to lead Ireland in Estonia No regrets! Ireland No 2 Tardelli leads rallying call ahead of Estonia showdown Kink targets an Ireland upset as Estonia approach biggest ever gameEURO 2012 PLAY-OFFS LIVE: Estonia v Republic of Ireland - follow the action from Tallinn as it happens[LNB]
