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Giovanni Trapattoni gives up on Richard Dunne playing in Germany World Cup qualifier

Gaffer places Dunne on stand-by as groin injury keeps him out of the game

CATHAL DERVAN,

Irish Voice Reporter

Published Thursday, October 4, 2012, 8:37 AM

Updated Thursday, October 4, 2012, 8:37 AM

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Richard Dunne - Irish soccer team player

Photo by Irish Voice

Giovanni Trapattoni has all but given up hope in his bid to have Richard Dunne fit for the crucial World Cup qualifier at home to Germany on Friday, October 12.

Dunne went to see a specialist again last week as he bids to beat a groin injury before the Aviva Stadium clash with the former world champions.

Trapattoni has spoken to the defender and has opted to place him on stand-by for the game along with Manchester United youngster Robbie Brady.

Trap does welcome midfielder Keith Andrews back after suspension while Keith Fahey is recalled after his recent injury problems.

The Irish boss has admitted his side were lucky to beat Kazakhstan last month but wants his team to build on that fortunate result when they meet the Germans.

He said, “As we face these important games, we will hope to build on the three points we gained in Kazakhstan.

“Our first game against Germany will be a difficult challenge and the home support will play an important part. We must also remember that we have two matches, and we will be focusing on every detail to pick up points on our journey to qualification for Brazil.

“We must forget what happened. We can start again with these qualifiers. It’s another 90 minute game against Germany and you have to believe.

“Sure, they are the strongest team in our group. They are legends in football, they have a strong side with players in a strong league and with strong clubs abroad.

“We have left our disappointment behind us the last day and we must believe again in our quality because without this we will perform very, very badly.

“Kazakhstan, for all the talk about it being an easy game, it was not easy. It’s difficult to play there – and it will be difficult for Germany.

“The result has to give us belief in our quality, in our attitude and mentality. We have good possibilities because this group has the right balance.”

The Republic of Ireland squad to play Germany and the Faro Islands is -- Keiren Westwood, David Forde, Darren Randolph, Marc Wilson, John O’Shea, Sean St. Ledger, Darren O’Dea, Stephen Ward, Stephen Kelly, Paul McShane, Glenn Whelan, James McCarthy, Keith Andrews, Keith Fahey, Seamus Coleman, Aiden McGeady, Andy Keogh, James McClean, Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Simon Cox, Jon Walters. Standby List: Richard Dunne, Robbie Brady

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Fightin69th | Oct 04, 2012, 11:11 AM EDT

It is ok to change countries if you play at the under-age level, or if you get a senior team call up and only participate in friendly matches you can still declare for another nation, but once you earn a competitive cap at the senior level, no may no longer transfer loyalities.

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PhlutiePhan | Oct 04, 2012, 10:11 AM EDT

Dunnie is quite the lad, so to speak. I have watched match after match where he is the last line of defense. I would say that he ranks up there with the best in the world. Without him, the Titanic comes to mind. St. Ledger is awful good. However on set pieces, Sean is brought forward to try to score. Against Germany that will be their death knell. Germany does not even need to counterattack. It will be like the Panzers going through Poland. Robbie Boy may be the greatest forward in the world. However, I have seen recent defenses where three players are grouped around him in an "umbrella" defense. His flick-ons have been diagnosed. Keith Andrews and Aiden McGeady have "big feet". However in most matches, McGeady is chasing his tail on the aidelines and Andrews is God knows where. I have even seen a qual match where Robbie kicked a ball out of danger just in front of his own goaltender. To state the obvious, there is no offense. They can play for nil-nil against anyone but the Huns. With that style, you can start by giving the predominant Bayern Munich 4 goals. The answer is to "trash" Trappatoni and give the squad to the brash but successful other Keano. He will score goals because he scored them himself until run off the squad. Put the squeaky wheel in charge. Ireland will be out of the World Cup by Christmas and probably before. There is no way that they even finish second. They were the oldest squad at Euros and showed it. No changes have been made. Is there any way that Dempsey and for that matter Donovan or Howard could be talked into playing for Ireland? Boy, would that be something?

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