A positive result tonight is essential for Giovanni Trapattoni to release some of the growing pressure, says former Ireland international Alan McLoughlin.

McLoughlin told Newstalk’s Oisín Langan that a result tonight creates some breathing space for Trapattoni to get to Tuesday’s game with Austria where another good result would lighten the load that currently rests of the shoulders of Trapattoni and his team.

McLoughlin also talked about the selectionof Robbie Keane, and if it is still automatic. He also explains why he can’t understand the selection of Paul Green ahead of James McCarthy.

Image: Paul Green and James McCarthy
©INPHO/James Crombie