Plus: How many texts do people in Ireland send on an average day?

Breaking via The Mire wire: FAI looks for a manager who speaks English, Obama considers what to do about the Seanad, and Dáil reform ‘completely unnecessary’.

The Italian appears to have accepted defeat in his aim of continuing as Ireland boss in 2014.

The Ireland skipper added that the Irish players need to “stick together” after the recent lows.

“Every player loses many, many games,” trumpeted the Irish manager.

The Manchester United youngster has been called up to the senior squad for Tuesday’s friendly in London, according to reports.

Kairat Nurdauletov is aiming high, and says he and his team-mates will not accept a draw.

“I’m going to Ibiza with the lads! I’ll probably come back a raging alcoholic.”

The FAI confirmed the goalkeeper’s decision in a statement earlier this evening.

Torres, Negredo, Llorente, or no striker at all?. And you thought you had problems.

Ask Trap about the Ecuadorian and he could rattle on for hours in any language, but does that paper over the cracks a little?

We’ll have a wide array of characters on sideline display over the next month. Do you know who they remind us of?

Should Ireland be worried by the absences from training? Is Giovanni Trapattoni really going to change his formation so close to such a crunch game… would that even be wise? Miguel Delaney looks at the key points.

The Ireland manager became irritated when speaking to the press after Thursday’s training session in Italy.

Our round-up of the day’s main stories – as well as the bits and pieces you may have missed.

Despite division within the government on the issue, Brazil’s minister for sport has assured FIFA that beer will be sold inside each stadia in 2014.

Jessica Lawlor is putting pressure on the Aston Villa midfielder to pick up the phone, mend his bridges and head to Poland and the Ukraine this summer.

Following the announcement that Trap’s team are set to make Gdynia their Euro 2012 home, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most intriguing facts relating to the city.

The Ireland assistant boss says he is well-aware of the progress made this year by Wes Hoolahan, Anthony Pilkington and Marc Tierney.

Kenny Dalglish is understood to be closely monitoring the performances of the player.

Trap’s men have been rewarded for beating Estonia earlier this month, as they have improved their position in the latest standings.

The manager also said he hopes Marco Tardelli will replace him as manager of the Ireland team one day.

Ireland haven’t event qualified yet, and already the battle has begun to record the quintessential boozy singalong for next summer.

The Wolves midfielder claims the Irish manager is getting the best out of the players at his disposal, while reminding fans that “Messi and Ronaldo don’t have Irish passports”.

We round up some of the best of the side’s goals from the past few years, including Ian Harte’s scorcher against Cyprus and Ronnie Whelan’s memorable Euro 88 scissors kick.

The Switzerland coach believes Ireland have “more quality” than their Estonian opponents.

Trapattoni needs to adopt a style that encourages the type of football Ireland displayed in Paris two years ago if they are to gain favour in the eyes of the Irish public.

The Stoke man is being tipped to play following comments made by Trapattoni at a press conference yesterday.

The Newcastle striker has been belatedly rewarded for his fine Premier League form this season.

The Ireland manager says he has already spoken to Italy coach Cesare Prandelli about their upcoming opponents.

The Ireland captain said he expects to be out for four to six weeks after aggravating a muscle injury against Andorra.

It’s draw or bust for Trap tonight, so we examine what his side must do to avoid an ignominious loss.

Ireland and Giovanni Trapattoni could be five days from glory. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple. Miguel Delaney goes through a very complex Group B

Darren O’Dea will partner Sean St. Ledger in the absence of the suspended Richard Dunne against Andorra.

There are a number of injury worries ahead of the encounters with Armenia and Andorra.

Think Ireland have no chance today? Here’s why Giovanni Trapattoni’s men have scope for optimism.