Charlton on Trappatoni´s side

Former Republic of Ireland manager Jack Charlton says he will be delighted if Giovanni Trapattoni can steer the country to Euro 2012.

Ireland meet Estonia in Tallinn on Friday in the first leg of their play-off to see who qualifies for Poland and Ukraine, with the second leg to be staged in Dublin four days later.

Charlton entered Irish folklore by masterminding the Republic’s passage to the finals of their first ever major tournament at the 1988 European Championships.

Charlton said he will be jealous of the Italian should he guide Ireland to Euro 2012, but insisted he will be thrilled if they can make it.

“I’m still very well liked in Ireland and if Trapattoni does manage to do what he is trying to do I will be very jealous of him because people will start thinking of him instead of me,” Charlton said.

“But I wouldn’t have it any other way because it will be great for Ireland and the whole competition if they get there because the fans are amazing and bring a lot to the tournament.”

“It has been a while since they got to a major finals and this will help make up for past disappointments although nothing could make up for that defeat by France a couple of years ago when they were cheated out of it.”

Charlton took Ireland to the 1988 European Championships and then the World Cup in Italy two years later when his team reached the quarter-finals.

Ireland also took part in the 1994 World Cup in the United States but his adopted country has not figured at a major tournament since the 2002 World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea.

“I think it would be great for the whole of Ireland if they qualify,” Charlton said.

“The people will love it. Football used to rank behind rugby and Gaelic football among the Irish but suddenly it took off and the nation took the national side to their hearts.”

“I am very proud of what we accomplished together. I spent 10 years with the Irish and I loved every minute of it. It was great. Fingers crossed they will get over that final hurdle and get back to the finals.”