Trap: Montenegro trip was tough

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Ireland needed a heroic performance from goalkeeper Shay Given at the Podgorica City Stadium to claim a point against side packed with flair players.

Trapattoni said: "I would like to see the other teams in the group come here to Montenegro and win with those fans and that atmosphere. It is very difficult to qualify and the other teams will not find it easy here."

Italy, who are overwhelming favourites to win the group, do not head for Podgorica until the end of March next year, but entertain Zoran Filpovic's men next month when the Republic face Cyprus in Dublin.

But having seen what Montenegro can do at first hand, Trapattoni is even more convinced the group will be hard-fought throughout.

"Zoran Filipovic is a friend and he has experience. He has good players and a good team.

"The coach of the national team in Italy or England have most of their players playing in their own country; but it is not like that for countries like Ireland and Montenegro.

"That is not an excuse for coaches, but it is true. This time, we have had the players for 10 days, but usually it is only three days, and it is not easy."