Soccer: Wolves and Republic of Ireland defender Stephen Ward has welcomed Giovanni Trapattoni's contract extension.
The Italian manager has been retained by the FAI and will lead Ireland in their quest to reach the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
Ward believes Trapattoni has proved himself to be the right man to lead Ireland beyond Euro 2012 after securing qualification for a major tournament for the first time since 2002.
"It's good news for us as a squad of players," Ward told Sky Sports News. "I think he has done a fantastic job since he's taken over the national side.
"Qualifying for the European Championship has been great for him and great for us and I suppose there's no better man to take us on, hopefully, to the World Cup in 2014.
"I think the job he's done has really given the country a massive lift.
"He's experienced as anyone, he knows the game inside out and the way he's taken over and helped us qualify for a major tournament there is definitely no better man to do it again in the World Cup qualifying campaign."
