Trapattoni to remain as Ireland manager

Giovanni Trapattoni is to remain as manager of the Republic of Ireland after being given the backing of the Football Association of Ireland.

The 73-year-old Italian was left fighting for his job after Friday's 6-1 home defeat at the hands of Germany. The board chose to wait until Wednesday to meet and discuss Trapattoni's future, not wishing to upset preparations for Tuesday night's match against the Faroe Islands.

The Irish duly delivered a 4-1 win in Torshavn to keep alive their hopes of finishing second in Group C and qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, enough to convince the FAI board that now is not the time for change.

A statement from the FAI read: "The Board of the FAI met today and discussed Ireland's performances in the World Cup Qualifying campaign to date and the prospects of achieving qualification for Brazil 2014.

"The Board agreed that convening a meeting between the Germany and Faroe Islands matches and/or commenting on the Germany game or the manager's position prior to last night's game would have been totally inappropriate.

"Following today's discussions the Board, while disappointed like everyone with the poor result and performance against Germany and understanding the frustration of some of our supporters, believes the current position in the group means that qualification for Brazil in 2014 remains a realistic and achievable prospect and reaffirmed that Giovanni Trapattoni is to remain in charge of the national team.

"The Board recognises the depth of feeling surrounding the team, the performances, the results and the manager, reflecting the passion which everyone in Irish football has for the game and will continue to work closely with the manager."

Trapattoni's contract with the FAI runs to the end of the World Cup qualifying campaign.