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INPHO/Donall Farmer
ENGIRE

Trapattoni’s delight as young Irish stars answer London calling

The Ireland manager praised Coleman, McCarthy and Long after the draw at Wembley.

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI SAYS he was delighted with the performance of the new core of James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman and Shane Long in Ireland’s 1-1 draw away to England, and feels that such games will greatly mature the team for the future.

“I have reason to be happy,” Trapattoni said. “Yesterday I said to you, this friendly game, difficult friendly game for many reasons. If you look about, our young players grew. They need experience. Only against the great teams the great players can grow. I am happy also for McCarthy, Coleman, Shane Long. For me, they were three of the best on the pitch.

“I think in 90 minutes, the result is right. Also, England in the second half had more possession. We know this. England, for me, is one of the three, four or five strong countries in football.

“These teams with the great players is very, very important. Then again, good moments, enthusiasm. This draw for me is good.

“It’s 90 minutes and it showed me, showed us, showed our fans, we can do it without fear. Yesterday, I repeat to you, when I am in training, the team play. They play quickly, well with confidence. They played like yesterday in training. Only this way we can grow. Also the next friendly game against Spain will be another opportunity. Confrontation with these great players, great teams. We can think also, not same [quality] but we can play against them.”

Trapattoni also praised David Forde.

“He showed us the good personality because that is our aim, because after Given was important. He also gave our defenders confidence.”

While the Italian said that the reason he didn’t bring on Wes Hoolahan because he wanted to maintain a physicality in the team.

Match report: Ireland give England deja vu in friendly draw

Who stuck the ball in the English net? Shane Long did

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