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Manager's tactical approach met with a chorus of disapproval from former Ireland stars after worst-ever performance at a major tournament

Following the Republic of Ireland's 2-0 defeat by Italy in their final game of Euro 2012, manager Giovanni Trapattoni was the recipient of strong criticism from some former Irish internationals.

Speaking on RTE, John Giles, Eamon Dunphy and Liam Brady each issued a frank summary of what they thought of the Italian's tenure as Ireland manager, after what was statistically the worst-ever Irish performance at a major tournament.

Trapattoni's former assistant manager, Liam Brady, was the first to assess the Ireland manager's efforts.

"I thought it was an opportunity for Trap to put [James] McClean in the team to see how he could do," said Brady. "And it was an opportunity to start preparing for the World Cup in 2014."

The former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder also criticised Trapattoni's decision to leave out certain players, including Everton's central midfielder Darron Gibson.

He said: "I don't think it's right that Darron Gibson didn't get on the pitch. I would say Darron Gibson is the best passer of all our midfielders.

"Trapattoni just stuck to the game plan," continued Brady. "He's got fixed in his ways and I think that has to change."

Eamon Dunphy also asked questions of the Italian's approach, suggesting that his squad decisions have not made 'footballing sense' and that his tactics were 'stone age, redundant and barren'.

He said: "I don't think [Trapattoni] has lost the plot, he's an intelligent man and I have respect for him but he's just signed a new contract for Ireland and that troubles me.

"I don't know where he's going to get the time to integrate new players," continued Dunphy. "It's a crisis for Irish soccer. We're not sure what the main man is thinking."

Former Ireland manager John Giles described Ireland's overall performance at Euro 2012 as "depressing". When pressed further for his opinion, Giles argued that Trapattoni's system was flawed.

"He came in with a set idea with the talent that was available to him and he's been true to that system, at a cost," said Giles. "It's not good enough.

"If there's no room for outstanding footballers in your system, then your system is flawed."