Giovanni Trapattoni wants a club mentality as the Republic of Ireland target next year's World Cup.
Italian aims to forge united spirit as World Cup pursuit hots up
Giovanni Trapattoni has called for a club mentality among the Republic of Ireland squad as they aim to qualify for next year's World Cup.
The Italian coach had an extra opportunity to forge that spirit with a friendly arranged against Nigeria on Friday and the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at Fulham's Craven Cottage.
That was a warm-up for next Saturday's World Cup qualifier in Bulgaria, when a win would send the Irish top of Group 8 as Italy only have a friendly.
Veteran goalkeeper Dean Kiely opted to return to his family after learning he would not feature against Nigeria but Trapattoni brought a number of new faces into the fold.
Debuts
There were debuts for Kevin Foley, Sean St Ledger, Eddie Nolan, Liam Lawrence, Leon Best and Keiren Westwood, a half-time substitute for keeper Shay Given, and Trapattoni hopes to develop a united squad as they chase a place in South Africa.
"We must look at the mentality - not staying at home and resting but being professional," he said.
"Our aim is to qualify and do it as a team. It is a team with the club and also a team with the national squad.
"The Nigeria game was a good test for me to see our mentality and performance. We learned how it is possible to have a professional mentality after a long season.
"It was a good signal for the future," he added. "I hoped that players like (Keith) Andrews and (Glenn) Whelan would play for their clubs and now they are in their first teams."
With Kiely having left the squad, Trapattoni is set to call up a reserve goalkeeper for the trip to Sofia, with Joe Murphy and Colin Doyle the likely candidates.
Crucial qualifier
Wolves defender Foley picked up a knock against Nigeria and will be assessed on Monday, while Darron Gibson (thigh) has had a scan ahead of his return from UEFA Champions League duty with Manchester United and Caleb Folan (knee) also hopes to be in contention.
"The Bulgaria game is very important for qualifying," said Trapattoni.
"They are one of the strong teams in the group and have many good players with good technique and creativity.
"It is maybe their last opportunity to think about qualifying and I'm sure it will be the most difficult game in this qualifying.
"Every game is like a final because each is worth three points. We have a good advantage but will never think that we are already qualified."
