Trapattoni plays down fears over Given

Soccer:Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni today allayed fears that goalkeeper Shay Given has suffered an injury setback after the 36-year-old did not train in Italy this morning,.

Trapattoni later insisted his absence was due to blisters rather than a recurrence of his knee injury.

Asked about the blisters, the Italian said: “Yes, a little bit, but it was better also to let him have a rest because he has worked too much, and it is better that he is fresh, and also mentally fresh.”

Trapattoni confirmed that Given will play in Monday’s friendly against Hungary in Budapest and is confident that the knee problem which prompted the Donegalman to consult a London specialist last week is no longer an issue.

The rules would allow Trapattoni to draft in another player if an injury was confirmed by Uefa medics right up until the day of the opening game against Croatia game on June 10th.

However, he is hopeful that will not be necessary with the soreness no longer an issue.

He said: “Not now, no, and I hope not during the game. It is true that we have a possibility to call another, but it would be better if we finished this friendly game without a problem.”

Given only returned to training on Thursday after being told to rest the knee he jarred in Malahide last Monday.

Defender John O’Shea, who like Given only returned to training on Thursday, in his case because of a long-standing ankle problem, was also eased through today’s session, while left back Stephen Ward needed treatment after a collision with Sean St Ledger, but is not a concern.

Trapattoni is satisfied that the work carried out in northern Italy has built upon the foundation laid in Malahide a week earlier, with everything geared towards hitting peak form just when they need it most.

He said: “This is like the pole position for the Grand Prix. This morning, we finished a very, very - wonderful is too much, but beautiful - week, and we are very happy.

“I have said to the players, ‘Thanks, thanks a lot for your attitude, for your engagement and attention to everything we have asked of you’.

“We have had a good time, we have had good weather, we have also had a very good atmosphere in Montecatini.

“I will say also thanks to the city because also in the hotel, we have had a very good rest. We have re-charged the batteries, and you can see that in how the players played in this training game.”

Meanwhile, Trapattoni has warned his players not to be taken in by the turmoil surrounding Group C rivals Italy.

The 73-year-old’s native country have this week had their preparations disrupted by yet another match-fixing scandal and the earthquake which forced the postponement of their midweek friendly against Luxembourg in Parma.

Things took a further turn for the worse last night when Cesare Prandelli’s men were soundly beaten 3-0 by Russia, the winners of Ireland’s qualifying group, in Zurich.

However, Trapattoni, who will send his team into battle with the Italians in Poznan on June 18th knowing that game could prove crucial to the hopes of both nations, is refusing to read anything into the mounting chaos.

“It would be a great mistake if you think Italy is this because we don’t know how they have done in their training camp. Be sure when we meet Italy, Italy will be another team,” said Trapattoni.

The defeat by the Russians – Ireland lost 3-2 to them at the Aviva Stadium, but returned from Moscow with a hard-fought 0-0 draw - did little to improve the mood in Italy just hours after Prandelli had indicated he would be prepared to withdraw his team from the tournament if it was for the good of football.

But Trapattoni, who had his own difficult spell this week after deciding to drop Wolves defender Kevin Foley from his squad at the very last minute, is convinced that will have little impact on his former player.

He said: “What would happen if we lost 3-0 here with Ireland? It would be the same. If we lost a game 3-0, everybody would criticise us.”