Andrews happy with the work of the Irish

Republic of Ireland midfielder Kevin Andrews is pleased his side do not face an uphill battle to qualify for Euro 2012 on Tuesday.

Andrews and his teammates notched a 4-0 away win in Estonia on Friday, meaning that – barring a disaster – they should progress through to the finals of the European Championships.

The second leg takes place at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, and Blackburn midfielder Andrews, who is on loan at Ipswich Town, has expressed surprise at the ease that his side won in Estonia.

“It’s weird isn’t it?” Andrews said.

“We’ve had it relatively easy for ourselves, it’s not like us at all. Normally we make hard work of everything we do, but thankfully on Friday, the performance was certainly there and we got decisions on the night which I think anyone who’s seen them would say they are the right decisions.”

“Maybe, in years gone past, we haven’t had the officials who may have been brave enough to give them.”

Andrews hailed the impact manager Giovanni Trapattoni has had on the squad and said he would be ‘amazed’ if the veteran Italian’s contract in charge of the national team was not extended.

“(Trapattoni’s) moulded the team into a proper team that produces results and starting to produce good, good performances,” Andrews said.

“He’s started to introduce younger players into the squad that have learned how we set up and how we play. I’m sure they will kick on in the next couple of months (and) years. I would be amazed if something wouldn’t be done and they can sign him up for the next campaign, certainly.”

Andrews also referred to the impact the recession has had on Ireland and wants to qualify to give the country ‘something for everyone to look forward to’.

Fellow midfielder Stephen Hunt also spoke to the media and was quizzed on the prospects of a potential friendly against England before Euro 2012 begins.

But Hunt did not show the same excitement that some were, saying he would rather play his side’s rivals in a competitive scenario.

“I play against them (English players) week in, week out,” Hunt said.

“If we playing against England, I’d rather play against them in a tournament than in a friendly because friendlies are irrelevant.”

“It would be nice to beat them of course. They are our main rivals and we play against Scotland and Wales all the time, so it would be nice to play them. But until the tournament, I’d prefer not to.”

“Special would be qualifying and playing against Spain in the first game of the tournament. That’ll be special.”