‘We Have to Respect This Team, But I am Confident’ We will Defeat Armenia: Irish Coach

Manager of the Republic of Ireland national team Giovanni Trapattoni has expressed confidence that his battle-hardened charges can see off their younger Armenian opponents in today’s Euro 2012 decisive qualifier.

“We have to respect this team, but I am confident,” said the 72-year-old coach at a press conference Monday, reports the Dublin-based Independent. “If we show maturity, we can get the result.”

With Robbie Keane ruled out of the game and a doubt for next month if Ireland progress, Trapattoni has opted for Simon Cox as his replacement.

The West Brom striker is preferred ahead of his clubmate Shane Long because he is better suited to Keane’s normal role in the Italian’s rigid 4-4-2 system.

“Only the result of the game will show if it’s the right choice,” said Trapattoni. “Cox can drop back to support the midfield. Long will be very important in the second half.”