O'Brien hails Trapattoni deal

Billionaire Denis O'Brien has helped the Republic of Ireland to secure the services of manager Giovanni Trapattoni for another two years.

The businessman, whose money helped to recruit the 70-year-old Italian in the first place, has part-funded a new two-year deal which was announced by the Football Association of Ireland yesterday afternoon.

O'Brien said: 'When the appointment of Giovanni Trapattoni was announced, we said that hiring the right people would enable us to get the right results.

'In Giovanni, the team has grown in stature and confidence and I am very happy to renew my partnership with the FAI, Giovanni Trapattoni and the Irish squad for the coming campaign.'

The FAI moved to tie up Trapattoni, whose existing deal was due to expire next year, as he attempts to take Ireland to the World Cup finals in South Africa.

They are currently second to champions Italy in qualifying Group 8, and face Trapattoni's native country at Croke Park on 10 October.

Victory in that game would send them into their final qualifier against Montenegro in Dublin with a chance of clinching automatic qualification, although even the runners-up spot and a play-off place would represent a significant achievement.

Trapattoni said: 'I am delighted to continue my job with the FAI. This squad has huge potential. Our results demonstrate what self belief and structure can achieve and I am really looking forward to continuing the work we have begun.'

The contract announcement came just minutes before the manager revealed his 27-man provisional squad for next month's games.

There was a return for Blackburn midfielder Steven Reid, who has missed most of the last year with yet another knee injury, as well as defenders Paul McShane and Darren O'Dea.

However, even a run of excellent form at club level for Sunderland midfielder Andy Reid could not win him a recall.