Republic boss wary of Montenegro

WORLD CUP 2010 QUALIFYING GROUP EIGHT
MONTENEGRO V REP OF IRELAND
Venue: Podgorica Date: Wednesday, 10 September Kick-off: 1800 BST Coverage: Updates on the BBC Sport website

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Giovanni Trapattoni issues instructions in Saturday's game

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni says Saturday's opening results in his team's World Cup group show the challenges that lie ahead.

The Republic claimed an impressive 2-1 win over Georgia in the away game played at the neutral venue of Mainz.

However, Montenegro - who the Republic face on Wednesday - were unlucky to only draw 2-2 against Bulgaria while Italy sneaked a 2-1 win in Cyprus.

"I have told the players, every game is very, very dangerous," said Trapattoni.

Asked if he was surprised by the draw in Podgorica, he said: "No, because Montenegro are a good team and they have good players.

"If you look across Europe, Italy scored in the last seconds and France lost against Austria."

Zoran Filipovic's Montenegro side were only denied victory over 10-man Bulgaria at the death when substitute Blagoy Georgiev hit a late goal to snatch a 2-2 draw.

We shouldn't be arrogant, but we should believe in ourselves Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni

Antonio Di Natale scored Italy's late winner in the 2-1 win in Larnaca.

The Republic squad remained in Germany after Saturday's win and will head to Podgorica on Monday afternoon ahead of Wednesday's second Group Eight qualifier.

While talking up the Montenegro team, Trapattoni also praised his side's qualities.

"We should not underestimate ourselves. We shouldn't be arrogant, but we should believe in ourselves.

"We have to have heart and we have to have the right willingness and the right mentality, but we have good technique.

"We are not Brazilian, we are not Portuguese, we will stick to our style."

Trapattoni could have been forgiven for having mixed feelings over his native country's victory with the World champions the overwhelming favourites to top the group.

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on the Republic's qualification chances

However, he insisted he was happy to see them win - for now, at least.

He said: "I have worked in Portugal and Austria and Germany and now I am happy working in Ireland - but I am Italian.

"It is important because I am Italian. I will be happy if they lose against us, okay, but now, no."

Asked if his side could win the group, Trapattoni urged caution.

He said: "You cannot look too far ahead. You could have injuries, red cards - there are many situations. But I think, why not? Never say never."

Shay Given, Stephen Hunt and Kevin Doyle sat out training at the Halberg Stadium in Taunusstein-Wehen on Sunday morning because of minor knocks but all three look certain to be fit for Wednesday's game.