TRAPATTONI OUTLINES PLAY-OFF GAME-PLAN

BEING safe and solid at Croke Park against France is the key to World Cup qualification according to Giovanni Trapattoni.

The Ireland boss insists his team can trouble a French side packed with class, but he is demanding a gritty first-leg display on November 14.

Trapattoni said: "We must not concede a goal because even if it is 0-0 when we go away, we would be in a great position.

"The pressure would then be on them to attack in front of a home crowd and we know we could do well in that situation.

"Our players will know a lot of their players especially the guys from Arsenal and Manchester United - they know exactly what their strengths are. They are top footballers, but I am convinced that we can get something from the games.

"We are a strong team now I feel and our mentality is good going into every game. We need to focus on how we achieved getting to this play-off because that can help us in the two matches against France.

"I know that motivation for the players is important and France have so many players involved with teams in the Champions League.

"They are a super team with so many involved at the top level so we will need to be at our best.

"I have watched their games and watched how they dealt with certain situations. That is very important to see how a team reacts and how they behave.

"It was the same before the game against Italy - we spoke with our players and told them what we saw from the Italians' previous games. That can only help us. We played a good game against Italy and only a little mistake at the end denied us winning that game. We will benefit from the experience of that game I think."

The Irish manager, who decided not to recall Steven Reid, reckons that minds must be focused and that fully fit bodies are needed for these crucial contests.

Trapattoni said: "We put in a good performance because our mentality was right. Now the challenge for us is to repeat that. I know that in France they are looking at us as a team with a good mentality.

"They know what we can do and they are thinking about us a lot. They know that we are disciplined, and they are fearful. Our discipline needs to be good.

"Steven Reid did score a penalty in his first game back, but I feel the French games are too soon for him.

"He is not match fit. We need players who can last 90 minutes because we cannot afford too many changes.

"It is important that our players believe in what we do and why because all you have to do is watch the group games to see we are strong.

Discipline

"I said before that the players believe and that is important.

"Football is football, and you have to keep repeating your performances.

"Our discipline is important because sometimes in a one-on-one situation a player can be superior, but if he is helped by his colleagues he can get through it. That is why the French are a little bit afraid. They know our mentality and they know Ireland are disciplined, and have put in good performances to get to the play-offs. We need no injuries.

"This is the first time I have been involved in a World Cup play-off game. We know it is important psychologically because it is two games of 90 minutes, and possibly another 30 plus at the end of the second game.

Trap believes Ireland have earned France's respect and hopes his squad can book a place in South Africa.

He said: "Everybody will be watching the outcome of this game.

"Having heart and playing the game with the right spirit is very important, especially in these games. I know the importance of it to the country and the FAI. I have a responsibility to do my best for everyone and we will be ready.

"I think they know I was lucky in European competitions against French teams, but I have a feeling that they have watched our team and seen them play well.

"It is important that the players believe we can do well - we want to reach the World Cup finals."

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