Fringe players give Trapattoni food for thought

Republic of Ireland XI 2 Nottingham Forest 0 : Caleb Folan and Andy Keogh grabbed their chance to impress Giovanni Trapattoni…

Republic of Ireland XI 2 Nottingham Forest 0: Caleb Folan and Andy Keogh grabbed their chance to impress Giovanni Trapattoni as they scored for a Republic of Ireland XI in a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest. An experimental Republic side were impressive against the English Championship team at Dalymont Park.

Hull striker Folan was set up by Sunderland striker Anthony Stokes to open the scoring in the 24th minute.

Trapattoni used all eight substitutes as he experimented ahead of the next World Cup qualifier against Cyprus but Wolves striker Keogh lasted long enough to make it 2-0 shortly after the hour mark.

Celtic defender Darren O'Dea and Blackburn midfielder Keith Andrews were also among the starters.

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The Republic play Cyprus at Croke Park next Wednesday. After two games, Trapattoni's side are second in Group Eight having defeated Georgia in Germany and drawn away to Montenegro.