Giovanni Trapattoni has begun life as Ireland Coach and insists that he can lead his new side to World Cup 2010.
The former Azzurri boss has been charged with the task of rejuvenating a side that failed to qualify for Euro 2008 under Steve Staunton.
Having finished his spell at Red Bull Salzburg at the end of April by leading them to second place in the Austrian Bundesliga, Trap is now relishing his new test.
“I came here because there are excellent players,” he enthused. “We can go to the World Cup in South Africa.
“We have lots of experienced players and many of them play in the Premier League – that helps. When you add our youth talent to that I think that we should qualify.”
The Irish face a tough qualification Group where they take on Italy, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia and Montenegro.
“Four years ago Greece won the European Championship when nobody believed it was possible,” Trap said.
“Football today is difficult and you need to be well organised, but then you can get results against these teams.”
The side has been weakened in recent times by Stephen Ireland, Steve Finnan and Andy O’Brien’s decisions to ignore their nation’s call.
“I will speak to them and I hope that they will change their minds,” the 69-year-old revealed.
“But if I can’t convince them then we will carry on anyway. Now I am thinking about the team camp in Portugal, which will be crucial for team spirit.”
Trapattoni’s first outing is a friendly against Serbia at Croke Park on May 24.
