Trapattoni insists McClean spat is over
9 September 2012 19:23
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has accepted an apology from midfielder James McClean for his recent Twitter outburst.
The Sunderland man posted a foul-mouthed message expressing his frustration at remaining on the bench in Ireland's 2-1 win over Kazakhstan in their World Cup qualifier on Friday.
However, the winger subsequently issued a full apology and deleted his account, and the Italian manager says he has already moved on from the incident.
"We move on. There is no problem," the 73-year-old told reporters. "We spoke with him and the other players. He was very apologetic.
"I always say to the players you must have a lot of patience. When you are young sometimes you say something you regret.
"I don't know if he will start against Oman. If he doesn't he may play the second half."
Trapattoni also fended off criticism from ex-Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr, who described the Italian's communication skills with his players as 'farcical' and his team selection as 'dodgy' in the
Irish Times.
"Maybe Brian Kerr did not see the game of Germany in Kazakhstan," Trapattoni said. "I saw the game, maybe if he saw the game he can understand why it was difficult.
"It was not easy there. It was difficult with the pitch. On this pitch Sweden and Germany will find it hard there."
Trapattoni also revealed he was trying to persuade Damien Duff to come out of international retirement.
"We (will) invite him to the game," he said. "Maybe I can speak with him afterwards."
