Tardelli Upbeat As Ireland’s European Draw Looms

Republic of Ireland Assistant manager Marco Tardelli has said he is looking forward to Ireland’s Euro 2012 qualifying campaign but he wasn’t giving anything just yet. Mr Tardelli was speaking as a special guest at a ceremony to celebrate Dublin becoming the sport capital of Europe this afternoon in Dublin Castle. The draw for the championship takes place this Sunday and Marco reckons Ireland have nothing to worry about. “We have many good players, there may be some young players in our new squad and it will be a good adventure” he added “I was happy with our world cup matches and this gave young players a chance”

There has been rumours that Under 21 player James Mc McCarthy could leave the Republic of Ireland and play for Scotland, and Tardelli has claimed he will stay with Ireland. “I am not sure if the Scottish wants him” “Mc McCarthy is playing in Ireland and I think he will stay, maybe not in the senior squad but I think he will stay”

On Ireland’s up coming game against Brazil in London Tardelli admitted he doesn’t know what type of team Giovanni Trappattoni might choose “ to be honest, I think all players deserve the chance to play but clearly this is not possible”

Finally when asked about the constant hype in the Italian media about Trappatoni leaving for Juventus he said “Every single day in Italy, teams say they want Giovanni, but we stay here”

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.