Trapattoni the man to make Irish eyes smile again

The Republic of Ireland's football team has become something of a joke on the world stage. And it raises the question of whether current players are lacking ambition.

But perhaps that will all change next month when Giovanni Trapattoni, regarded as one of the finest coaches in the game, takes charge of the Irish squad.

Is the Italian up for what will undoubtedly be his toughest challenge? That's the real question that every Irish fan will be asking. But when you look at the list of players available, plying their trade at the top level in England and Scotland, we should be up there with the best.

Let's look at the players who will be available to Trapattoni: