IRELAND BOSS Giovanni Trapattoni has denied he is recovering from a stroke.

Reports in Italy today suggested the 71-year-old suffered a mild stroke during an operation on a carotid artery at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan on December 29.

It was reported by both Libero and La Repubblica, that he experienced partial paralysis down the right side of his body before he was removed to intensive care.

However, in a FAI-issued statement this afternoon, Giovanni Trapattoni rejected the reports. “I had a scheduled operation to clean the carotid artery on December 28 in Milan,” he said.

I am recovering well and expect to return to work in the coming weeks.

Contrary to media speculation, I can confirm that I have not suffered a stroke. I will be in Ireland on January 24 to announce my squad for the Carling Nations Cup match against Wales on February 8.

Irish fans will remember that Trap was admitted to hospital last August after suffering abdominal pains, missing the friendly against Argentina in Dublin.

He spent six days in the Mater Hospital after surgeons discovered his discomfort was being caused by minor scar tissue from a previous procedure.

The Boys in Green are second in their Euro 2012 qualifying group, two points behind leaders Russia.