Injury Boost for the Republic of Ireland as Trapattoni Urges Caution

A cautious Giovanni Trapattoni has received a boost ahead of Wednesday's World Cup Qualifier against Montenegro in Podgorica with the news that Shay Given, Kevin Doyle, and Stephen Hunt are all expected to feature after training on Monday.

Given sat out Sunday's session after picking up a knock in the 2-1 win over Georgia, while Doyle and Hunt joined him, both complaining of a calf problem.

Ahead of the potentially tricky clash, Trapattoni called for caution, a point backed up by the results of the opening round of fixtures in Group Eight. Bulgaria drew, 2-2, with Montenegro thanks to a late goal, and Italy had Antonio Di Natale to thank after the Udinese striker scored an injury-time winner against Cyprus.

"I have told the players, every game is very, very dangerous," Trapattoni said.

Trapattoni went on to say that he wasn't surprised with Montenegro's 2-2 draw with Bulgaria on Saturday "because Montenegro are a good team and they have good players.

"If you look across Europe, Italy scored in the last seconds and France lost against Austria."

The Italian was also keen to espouse the qualities of his own side, refusing to rule out the possibility of finishing top of the group.

"You cannot look too far ahead," he said. "You could have injuries, red cards—there are many situations. But I think, why not? Never say never.

"We should not underestimate ourselves. We shouldn't be arrogant, but we should believe in ourselves.

"We have to have heart and we have to have the right willingness and the right mentality, but we have good technique.

"We are not Brazilian, we are not Portuguese, we will stick to our style."