Giovanni Trapattoni Eyeing New Contract After Euro 2012 Qualification

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is eager to extend his contract after guiding Ireland to the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine next summer. The Italian's current deal expires at the end of next year's showdown tournament but he has expressed his desire to continue his work and secure a long term contract so he has a chance of leading Ireland to their first World Cup since 2002. The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed that they will be in talks concerning a possible new contract but for the time being they want the focus to be on Ireland's successful qualification to Euro 2012.

Ireland were only beaten once in 10 qualification games, finishing second behind Russia in Group B. Trapattoni found himself under pressure heading into the play offs as defeat could possibly have ended his four year spell as Ireland boss. However, the 72-year-old's popularity is now sky high following Ireland's 5-1 aggregate win against Estonia. Not only has he installed confidence in the team but has he made them very difficult to beat. Their defence in particular has been outstanding, with 10 clean sheets in the last 12 games, conceding just two goals in that period.

Trapattoni has told his players to take inspiration from Greece's shock Euro 2004 win, as Ireland turn their attention to the upcoming draw for the finals. Ireland have been seeded in Pot 4 and will discover their fate on Friday 2^nd December when the group stage draw is held. Ireland have a one in four chance of facing England in the groups (who have been placed in Pot 2) which would definitely be one the most eagerly anticipated matches of the tournament. Ireland currently have odds of 66/1 with Bet465 to win the tournament.