Soccer:Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni will keep his job after receiving the backing of his employers at the FAI. The Italian's position has been the subject of speculation since the heavy defeat to Germany with suggestions that last night's 4-1 win over the Faroe Islands may not have been enough to save him.

The FAI had refused to publicly back their manager in recent days, with chief executive John Delaney unwilling to discuss the matter in Torshavn again last night. And while the Italian claims to be unaware of plans to replace him, his cancellation of a scheduled press conference in Dublin this evening only served to add fuel to the fire.

However, the 10-man board met earlier today to discuss 73-year-old’s future and while they expressed disappointment with the “poor result and performance against Germany” they insisted that he remains the right man to lead the side to Brazil in 2016.

In a statement released tonight, the FAI said that “convening a meeting between the Germany and Faroe Islands matches and/or commenting on the Germany game or the manager’s position prior to last night’s game would have been totally inappropriate.

“Following today’s discussions the board, while disappointed like everyone with the poor result and performance against Germany and understanding the frustration of some of our supporters, believes the current position in the group means that qualification for Brazil in 2014 remains a realistic and achievable prospect and reaffirmed that Giovanni Trapattoni is to remain in charge of the national team.

“The board recognises the depth of feeling surrounding the team, the performances, the results and the manager, reflecting the passion which everyone in Irish football has for the game and will continue to work closely with the manager.”