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Giovanni Trapattoni with interpreter Manuela Spinelli. INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan
Qualified success

Trap: I have options up front for play-offs

The likes of Long, Walters and Cox have given the Ireland manager much to ponder ahead of next month’s qualifying showdown.

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI WILL probably have to plan without first-choice strike partnership Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle for next month’s crucial Euro2012 play-off double qualification header.

But the Ireland manager believes his squad has the strength in depth to cope.

Trap faced the press again this morning, hours after the Boys in Green secured a play-off spot thanks to a 2-1 win over Armenia at the Aviva Stadium.

It was a game in which Kevin Doyle was dismissed for two yellow cards and record goalscorer Keane watched from the sideline with a muscle injury.

Keane indicated afterwards that he faces a fight to be fit for the ties in November while Doyle will sit out the first leg with an automatic ban. Trap insists he’s not worried however.

“Unlike two years ago, we have options – and we also have Aiden McGeady and Damien Duff. I am confident about this,” the Italian told reporters last night.

“That is our team. Maybe we don’t have superstars, but McGeady is playing very well and Duff is fantastic. I am happy with our attitude, mentality and approach to every game.”

The referee was ‘Ireland’s best player’: how the Armenian press saw last night’s match

Confirmed: Ireland seeded in Euro 2012 playoffs

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