Trap’s new boys give a good account

Giovanni Trapattoni’s new Ireland recruits gave a good account of themselves in a 1-0 win over Paul Doolin’s Under-23 squad in Malahide last night.

An Anthony Stokes first-half goal provided the result however it was the performance of the newcomers and fringe players which Trapattoni monitored closely.

Paul Green of Derby County and Birmingham’s Keith Fahey combined to form the central midfield partnership while 19-year-old Shane Duffy slotted in beside Darren O’Dea at the heart of the defence.

Paul Doolin’s under-23 team consists entirely of League of Ireland players and Trapattoni was most impressed with Galway’s Stephen O’Donnell in midfield.

“It’s my opinion that I saw a beautiful game for mentality and tempo,” the Italian said.

“I thought before it was not going to be easy because I know the U-23 team have a condition because they have been playing in their league while some of our players have had a break.

“I said to Paul Doolin afterwards that they have two or three very interesting players in the U-23 team. For us, I saw for example that Paul Green, he played well. (Greg) Cunningham also for me, and Shane Long. Cillian Sheridan was a nice surprise as well.”

The senior squad will train today and tomorrow before playing an Irish Amateur side on Friday at Gannon Park.

The under-23s face an England selection in an International Challenge Trophy match next week.