Robbie Keane defensive of Giovanni Trapattoni's position with Republic of Ireland
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Robbie Keane has insisted there is "no chance" of Giovanni Trapattoni's job as Republic of Ireland manager coming under threat, despite their European Championship nightmare
Ireland's Euro 2012 adventure ended with another defeat last night as Italy beat them 2-0 in Poznan to leave them with no points in three games.
Trapattoni has declared his intention to continue into next season's World Cup qualifying campaign but the team's performance in Poland and Ukraine has raised question marks as to whether, at 73, he is the right man to lead them forward.
Asked about the prospect of Trapattoni being forced out, captain Keane simply said: "No chance."
Los Angeles Galaxy striker Keane may have left little room for doubt about Trapattoni's future but the same could not be said about his own.
Indeed, none of Ireland's veterans were making snap decisions about their international careers after last night's game.
Keane and Shay Given - the two most-capped players in Ireland's history - and veteran defender Richard Dunne all insisted they would take time to consider whether they would play on.
Damien Duff, who wore the skipper's armband yesterday to mark his 100th cap, seemed to hint his time was up, having previously revealed he had made up his mind whether to play on.
Keane, who earned his 120th cap in Poznan, said of his future: "It's not probably the right time even to be talking about it.
"The whole squad has come off a tournament and we're all disappointed."
Asked when the right time might be, Ireland's record goalscorer, 31, added: "I'm not even really thinking about it to be honest with you."
Goalkeeper Given, 36, who made a record 125th Ireland appearance this evening, said: "It's too soon straight after the game to make any rash decisions.
"I'll sit down with my kids and my wife and my family when I get home and just see what the best plan of action is.
"Obviously, we've got a new manager in at Aston Villa - I'd like to speak to him as well and see what the best plan is for everyone."
Winger Duff, 33, said: "I've said I'll play until 100 for Ireland if they'd have me.
"Sometimes, it doesn't work like that. So we'll see.
"It's more important to talk about the team and how we've done over the past month.
"Obviously disappointing - weren't good enough."
Dunne, 32, who made his 76th international appearance yesterday, said: "It's very hard because we've been preparing for this and dreaming. You don't want to be thinking about the finish.
"Now probably is the time for whoever has thought about it to have a month away and make a decision in a month's time maybe.
"You've just been hammered three times and you're probably just sick of football at the moment."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments