Soccer:Giovanni Trapattoni is ready to hand James McClean and Shane Duffy their international debuts when the Republic of Ireland meet the Czech Republic on Wednesday. The Derry youngsters trained with the Ireland squad this afternoon, after which Trapattoni suggested both would feature at the Aviva Stadium.
“I don’t know how much time, but Duffy and McClean can play,” the Italian told reporters when asked if he was prepared to deploy either in the friendly. “Many times we’ve seen players like Duffy and McClean and it’s important to see them work with the squad.”
Trapattoni was on a watching brief at the Hawthorns yesterday, where Keith Andrews was on target as McClean’s Sunderland went down 4-0 to West Brom. And while he admitted it was a difficult day for the former Derry winger, he has already seen enough to be satisfied McClean is worthy of inclusion in his plans.
“It wasn’t a beautiful day, not just for him but for all of the Sunderland team,” Trapattoni explained. “I’ve seen him many other times, on DVD and in other games, and I think he can do well.”
Keith Fahey and Stephen Kelly both sat out training in Malahide after picking up knocks and are expected to return to their clubs for treatment, while Stephen Ward missed the latter part of the session after taking a bang to the head.
