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From: garethmaher

Date: 13-Oct-2009

Say what you want about the way the Republic of Ireland play under Giovanni Trapattoni, but you can't knock what he has achieved with this team. Going into their final World Cup qualifier, they are still unbeaten and have a place in the play-offs secured. Not bad going at all.

Of course, there is disappointment that they couldn't hang on to clinch a win against Italy, although did they really deserve to take the three points? What people should be focusing on is the fact that Ireland were in a position to topple the world champions.

If Ireland can beat Montenegro on Wednesday evening, they will finish Group 8 on 20 points thanks to five wins and five draws. Coming through the qualifying unbeaten would be a massive achievement considering the pool of players available to Trapattoni and how low the team had slumped under previous regimes.

While most will have already turned their attention towards Monday's play-off draw, this final qualifier is important for Ireland as it allows them to keep their good run going, play well in front of a home crowd, and stamp out some of the mistakes that were made in the last outing.

A big night for.......

Shay Given and Kevin Kilbane. 100 caps each, if they play. They deserve every plaudit that will flow their way over the next week or so.

Liam Miller. After being released by QPR earlier in the summer, the 28-year-old has gone through a lot. Trapattoni stood by him throughout the period when he was unemployed, but now that he is playing regularly for Hibernian and should replace the suspended Glenn Whelan on Wednesday, it is time to repays the faith shown in him by the Irish boss with an assured performance.

Martin Rowlands. Is he good enough to stay in the Ireland squad? Can he nudge Darron Gibson out of the way in the pecking order? Time for him to show the Irish fans why Trapattoni rates him so highly.

Ireland's player of the campaign

Who would you rate as Ireland's best performer in this qualifying campaign?

My vote goes to Glenn Whelan...........post your comment below if you agree on this choice or if you would select someone else.
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