Giovanni Trapattoni believes Republic of Ireland will benefit from his men playing more regularly.
Republic boss relieved over playing time
Giovanni Trapattoni believes Republic of Ireland will benefit from the amount of football some of his key players are getting.
Trapattoni has previously bemoaned the fact that too many of his men are not regular starters at club level.
However, Robbie Keane has now been handed the captain's armband at Tottenham after returning to White Hart Lane following a difficult spell with Liverpool.
Glenn Whelan has also started Stoke's last 10 games, Keith Andrews is more involved at Blackburn and Liam Miller has been in fine form since joining Queens Park Rangers from Sunderland.
Trapattoni said: "I am happy because three months ago, those players weren't playing for their teams.
"Maybe my colleagues think because they play in the national team, they don't need to play for their teams!
"We are happy because it is a good way of recognising they are doing well for us, that they can also play in England.
"I have always said they need to play in England because they are good players.
"It's important for them and it is important for the national team."
Given praise
Shay Given has always been a regular for his club but the goalkeeper made the switch from Newcastle to Manchester City during the January transfer window.
He excelled on debut as City beat Middlesbrough 1-0 over the weekend and Trapattoni hopes the 32-year-old can go on to emulate the feats of legendary Italian Dino Zoff.
"Goalkeepers are lucky because they can play until they are 40," said Trapattoni.
"Touch wood, without injuries he could go on like Dino Zoff, who was playing when he was 42 years old.
"Shay, without injuries, could go on for many, many years.
"His mentality is strong and yesterday, his reactions were fantastic. He made three or four very difficult saves."
Georgia challenge
Trapattoni is preparing for Republic's World Cup qualifier at home to Georgia on Wednesday, a match which can be seen live on
Sky Sports 1 and HD1.
Republic can draw level with Italy at the top of Group 8 if they beat Hector Cuper's side, but Trapattoni is expecting a tough challenge.
He said: "I saw Georgia lose 2-1 against Romania, but they played very well.
"They have changed their system and Hector Cuper has tried other players and two or three players in different positions.
"It will not be an easy game for us, but we have to go on to the pitch with our aim being to win. That's very important."
