The Republic of Ireland’s participation in Euro 2012 this summer will provide the country with a much-needed boost, both to its morale and its flagging economy, according to Ipswich defender Damien Delaney.
Cork-born Delaney is not even ruling out a shock or two from his fellow countrymen as they set about what looks a daunting task to progress beyond the group stages in the tournament being jointly hosted by Poland and Ukraine.
It could hardly have turned out more difficult after the Irish came out of the hat alongside holders Spain, much-fancied Italy and Croatia in Group C.
Delaney, capped five times at senior level, said: "It’s a hell of a group, to be fair, but if anyone can come up with a plan to get results — and I’m not necessarily saying they will beat the likes of Spain and Italy — it’s manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
"If there’s any manager who can come up with a formula to frustrate these teams then Trapattoni is definitely the man. There’s a good team spirit among the squad as well and that has always been a strength of the Irish.”
Delaney’s injury problems at club level have probably put paid to his chances of forcing his way into Trapattoni’s plans and he admitted: "That’s a million miles away from my thoughts at the moment. "But just being involved in the competition will be great for Ireland. It could be absolutely massive for the country and not just football-wise. "It will help to bring a lot of cash into the country and help to get the economy moving. Things are pretty bad in Ireland at the moment. "Euro 2012 has given an awful lot of people something to look forward to. People are booking holidays to coincide with the football. I know a lot of people who are planning to go out there and I’m hoping to go along with a group of friends to cheer the lads on.” Photos: Action ImagesWhat to read next:
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Town boss Kieran McKenna reflected on the wonderful position his side is in following tonight’s 3-3 draw at Hull City.
Town moved level on points with second-placed Leeds United following a pulsating 3-3 draw with Hull City at the MKM Stadium having been in front three times. Returning striker George Hirst put the Blues in front in the 19th minute but the Tigers levelled on 40 through Ozan Tufan before Omari Hutchinson put Town back ahead with the first of two brilliant goals. However, Hull equalised again through Liam Delap in the 56th minute, then Hutchinson’s second put the Blues ahead again, however, Tigers sub Noah Ohio grabbed a point for the East Yorkshire side with three minutes remaining and the Blues were unable to take late chances to win it.
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Goals from George Hirst and Omari Hutchinson have given Town a 2-1 half-time lead over Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
George Hirst and Wes Burns both start for the Blues in this evening’s live-on-Sky game at Hull City.