Trap slams Long over injury claims
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has branded Shane Long as idiotic after reacting furiously to the striker's claim that he was fit to play in last night's friendly against Serbia.
As he left the game last night, Long told reporters he was fit to be involved, comments that drew the ire of his manager once the Italian was told.
Speaking at a press conference reported by radio broadcaster Newstalk today, Trapattoni said Long had complained of a physical problem following a training match.
“After this, he said, ’I have pain’,” Trapattoni said.
“The doctor worried, they made a scan (in hospital). And now he says he is fit, that is idiotic. Is idiot. No, (he) is no baby.”
Trapattoni said Long had featured in his preferred line-up during the training match and that he had every intention of playing him if he was available.
The Italian added: “For me, it is impossible to understand this. He could say, ’I am ready’, before the game.”
Trap has also expressed doubts over some of the injury complaints that forced several other players to withdraw from his squad ahead of the game.
Kevin Doyle, Stephen Ward, Marc Wilson and Wes Hoolahan were all forced to withdraw from the squad after being called-up for the trip to Belgrade.
