Giovanni Trapattoni hopes to retain senior players

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has said that he is desperate to keep senior players such as Robbie Keane, Shay Given, Damien Duff and Richard Dunne after Euro 2012.

Keane, 31, and Given, 35, have hinted that they could retire from international duty after the tournament, but Trapattoni believes that they could play a crucial role in Ireland's World Cup 2014 qualification campaign.

"I don't know if they are thinking of [retirement] but I hope not," Trapattoni said.

Asked if he would plead with senior players to stay after Euro 2012, he added: "Yes, because it is important they stay. I hope they embrace the opportunity to help the young.

"It's important that whenever these changes have to be made it's done smoothly. It's better to do it slowly.

"When I was a young player I had great players who taught me and helped me. I want my senior players to embrace the opportunity to help the young grow. They can be useful by integrating new players."

Ireland go into their last Euro 2012 qualifier tomorrow night against Estonia with a 4-0 lead on aggregate.