Stubborn Ruben caught in a Trap

ANDREWS MADE AMORIM LOOK LIKE TEMU VERSION OF ITALIAN

- By MARK McCADDEN

THERE was a time when you could predict Ireland's starting-11. In fact, you wouldn't need to, because Giovanni Trapattoni would name it the day before a game.

Keith Andrews would usually be right in the middle of things, alongside Glenn Whelan, in a 4-4-2. It was a rigid formation, a predictable playing style and, up to a point, it was effective.

Unfortunately that point was Euro 2012. That's when everything began to unravel for the legendary Italian manager, and towards the end of a disappointing 2014 World Cup campaign he was gone.

Andrews spoke recently of his admiration and awe for Trapattoni, the man under whom he won all 35 of his senior Ireland caps.

He described Trap as “someone who would walk into a room and, despite being just 5ft 9in, he owned it. He had that presence and aura.”