Giovanni Trapattoni hints Aiden McGeady will start ahead of James McClean against Croatia in Euro 2012 opener

3 Jun 2012 13:00:00

Italian tactician told reporters that the Spartak Moscow winger has done enough to see off the challenge of the new boy from Derry

Giovanni Trapattoni has given the strongest possible indication yet that Aiden McGeady will be given the nod over James McClean for Ireland's Euro 2012 opener against Croatia.

The veteran coach is expected to field the same side in the Group C game as the one which takes on Hungary in Monday's friendly. Despite impressing in both warm up matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina and a Tuscany XI the Sunderland ace does not appear to have done enough.

"James will be on the bench, with the others," Trapattoni told reporters after yesterday's training session.

Trapattoni and his assistant Marco Tardelli were handed the keys to Montecatini, where the Ireland team have been based for the last week, in a ceremony on Saturday night. Speaking on stage he said he was 'very scared' of Croatia who the Boys in Green play a week today.

"Croatia are unpredictable because when we think of these nations who were originally part of Yugoslavia and now are independent, they are living a second life and they are very, very strong," he said before making a prediction that his adopted nation would reach the knock out stages.

Trapattoni added: "But I already have a plan: we draw against Croatia, then we win against Spain and then we win against Italy and we qualify from the group."

The latest match fixing crisis engulfing the Italian team will not have an impact on the Azzurri's chances this summer said the coach who was in charge of his country between 2000 - 2004.

"We know Italy and despite what we have heard in the past few days and despite the result from last night (losing to Russia 3-0), Italy is a nation and a team that has always achieved good results.

"Be sure when we meet Italy, Italy will be another team," said the 73-year old.

After making the confident prediction that Ireland will make it out the group phase the former Juventus manager said that holders and World Champions Spain remain the team to beat.

"They are the favourites. In each department; in defence, in midfield and in attack, they have amazing players," concluded the Ireland coach.

The Boys in Green begin their Euro 2012 adventure on June 10 against Croatia in Poznan.