UEFA Euro 2012

Ireland’s success in qualifying was down to the fact they were difficult to beat… and that was down to strict coaching methods as well as having an outstanding goalkeeper in Shay Given, a steady, reliable centre-back in Richard Dunne, two full-backs who tuck in when required, two tremendously disciplined defensive midfielders, a lot of creativity down both flanks with Aiden McGeady and Damien Duff and two useful strikers in record scorer Robbie Keane and his partner Kevin Doyle.

Also you can add the Sunderland winger James McClean to the flow. He was superb in the Premiership last term and gives Ireland a more direct option.

Ageing Italian manager Giovanni Trappatoni (now 73) s likely to go with a 4-4-2 formation and that could bode well for a good run.

Keane is undoubtedly the player who can keep the Irish eyes smiling.

Now 31, he’s still fit and able, and a decade after being leading marksman at the 2002 World Cup, the Dubliner is still the chief Irish goal threat.

Another star could be the workhorse in midfield, Aiden McGeady, one is quite capable of producing the unexpected.

Trapattoni’s tactics may not please the purists, but they certainly proved effective in the qualifying stages. Some ardent fans have said that the Irish could emulate Greece’s surprise victory at Euro 2004. I can’t see that happening, really, but ‘Trap’ is certainly overdue some luck at a major international tournament.

His Italian side was controversially eliminated by South Korea at the 2002 World Cup, and went out at the group stage at Euro 2004 despite collecting five points.

The Republic of Ireland went out at the group stage in their only previous appearance in the European Champions in 1988, but the tournament still holds fond memories for Irish supporters.

Remember Ray Houghton’s goal which beat England and the draw with the Soviet Union before the Dutch sent them packing.

Through the group stage, yes… but it will be an added bonus if they reach the semis.