Trap looks to the positives

Manager happy with team's direction

Last updated: 20th November 2008

Giovanni Trapattoni Republic of Ireland training

Trapattoni staying positive

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Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni was not a disappointed man after losing his unbeaten run against Poland on Wednesday.

Trapattoni had been six games unbeaten in the job, but that record ended at Croke Park as Poland helped themselves to a 3-2 success.

Stephen Hunt and Keith Andrews scored late goals for Republic of Ireland and Trapattoni thinks the future of the nation is bright after seeing the likes of Andrews and Noel Hunt make their debuts.

"Normally after a defeat, I am sad and not happy, but this evening, I am not sad because I saw from some players that we can believe in the future," said the Italian boss.

"I said to the players in the dressing room afterwards that it is better to lose a friendly that a World Cup qualifier.

Great belief

"We can start 2009 with great belief. We have a good direction."

Ireland were 2-0 down for most of the second half and Trapattoni believes the team showed great character by maintaining their belief and clawing their way back into the game.

"Yesterday, I said this team (Poland) are strong and have played together for a long time," he continued.

"But we had some great chances with Damien Duff and we kept believing we could score and for me, that's positive."