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Euro 2012

Opinion: An Ireland squad with something for everyone

Trap stuck to the men he trusts to carry out his gameplan while keeping the fans sweet with the inclusion of James McClean, writes Niall Kelly.

THE ABSENCE OF a big surprise can sometimes have more shock value than even the most left-field curveball.

And so, after all of the public hand-wringing over players who may or may not fit Giovanni Trapattoni’s system and style, the Italian this afternoon named a perfectly palatable 23-man squad for Euro 2012.

For the most part, the names inscribed on Trap’s sheet of destiny were as expected. The two major talking points to stem from the announcement — the withdrawal of James McCarthy due to a family illness and the inclusion of fan favourite James McClean in the 23 — were flagged last week when he spoke to the media in Mullingar.

For obvious reasons of sensitivity, McCarthy’s identity was kept under wraps for as long as possible, though this couldn’t forestall the speculation which took a firm hold of the conversation this morning and bubbled over into the Aviva Stadium press room as the assembled media waited for the manager’s arrival.

McCarthy’s form for Wigan this season was worthy of a place on the plane, but the unfortunate news of his withdrawal was greeted with widespread recognition that some things in life are more important than football, even at a major championship.

Asked whether or not the youngster would’ve been in the squad, Trapattoni indicated in the affirmative, and even hinted that he was willing to facilitate alternative arrangements if it would have made a difference to McCarthy’s decision.

For all the talk of Trapattoni’s supposed conservatism and narrow-mindedness, the fact that he contemplated bringing both McCarthy and McClean — two players with only four international caps between them — proves that he does not operate in a bubble where he is immune to fan opinion or so set in his ways that he can turn a blind eye to form.

After the Czech Republic friendly in February, the Italian said that he planned to reward the players who had played a part in qualification, throwing names like Paul McShane, Andy Keogh and Paul Green into the mix to the dismay of many. Two months on, he has changed his mind though the fringe trio remain on his standby list.

The talk of McClean being a player “for the future” was still there today but tempered by a realisation that the future starts now: next month in Poland, on 10 June against Croatia.

Still those who wish to criticise the manager will always find a stick to beat him with and, after giving with one hand by including McClean, there is a sense that he has still taken away with the other by leaving Seamus Coleman on the standby list and Wes Hoolahan out in the cold entirely.

Surprising decisions? No, not really. Disappointing? For some, yes, but those who expected a radical overhaul of a successful system on the eve of a major championship were always going to be disappointed. Even at his most daring, there is a limit to Trapattoni’s tinkering. Coleman has only played on a semi-regular basis for Everton this season and Hoolahan would be wasted in the rigid 4-4-2 which Ireland will stick to.

The squad is very much moulded in its manager’s identity, one which will implement his Plan A to perfection. Within that structure, McClean will add another creative dimension to complement Aiden McGeady and Damien Duff.

If there comes a time when Ireland need a Plan B, it will have to come up through changes up front where Trapattoni has included five strikers with slightly different strengths that will allow him to vary style and approach, though not radically.

By and large, it was the squad we expected of the Italian and the inevitable criticisms ought not to be too loud. Long before today, we knew we were wedded to Trapattoni. Now it’s time to row in behind him and this group of 23.

Are you happy with Giovanni Trapattoni’s decision? Join the discussion by leaving a comment below.

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