Republic of Ireland head to Tallinn this week for the first leg of their Euro 2012 play-off against Estonia, but Giovanni Trapattoni’s preparations have been far from smooth (Estonia 13/8, draw 11/5, Republic of Ireland 11/8 – 90 Minutes).
Not since 2002 have the Irish graced the world stage in a major international tournament although they did go close to reaching the 2010 World Cup finals only to be denied by Thierry Henry’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ moment in Paris.
Trapattoni and his players bounced back in their qualification campaign for next summer’s European Championships in Poland and Ukraine but came up just short thanks to a 3-2 home defeat to eventual Group B winners Russia in October 2010.
The Irish were two points worse off in the final table which has forced them into the lottery of the play-offs although they have been handed favourable opponents in Estonia given the fact they were the lowest-ranked nation in the unseeded half of the draw.
Republic of Ireland’s luck appears to have run out to a certain extent as Trapattoni has a whole host of injury problems to deal with plus the suspension which rules Wolves striker Kevin Doyle out of the Tallinn trip.
Already ruled out alongside Doyle are Leon Best who is set to become a father, Liam Lawrence (ankle), John O’Shea (hamstring) Shane Long (knee) and David Forde (thigh) while there is also a long list of doubts.
Best is set rejoin the squad on Saturday along with O’Shea although the Newcastle striker is carrying toe and groin injuries so will have to be closely monitored by the Irish medical team.
Captain Robbie Keane (11/8 – Anytime Scorer) looks like he has shaken off a leg problem in time to win his 113th cap although fans will be concerned Trapattoni felt he needed Keith Andrews to sit out training on Tuesday as a precaution, while Richard Dunne and Keith Fahey were treated for minor knocks.
The Italian was also without veteran goalkeeper Shay Given because of a stiff neck but it is not expected to stop him from travelling to Eastern Europe.
Trapattoni told the FAI website: “In these two (play-off) games, we have a great opportunity, but we are also aware that we are facing a team that has very good organisation on the pitch and we should not under-estimate them.
“We will have to show our pride. I am proud of our team and it will be very important for us to show all the Irish people our quality, our mentality and our attitude.
“Only with this attitude, we can get over these 180 minutes and achieve qualification.”
Estonia have added midfielder Andrei Sidorenkov and forward Vladimir Voskoboinikov to their squad and boss Tarmo Ruutli says he is delighted with his options.
“All the players are well-known in our team,” said Rüütli.
“There’s no place for major changes or surprises in the squad before the final two matches of the campaign.”
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