Giovanni Trapattoni: 'We must not jump the gun'

By Jack Prescott, Rugby Editor | 12 November 2011

Giovanni Trapattoni tells his Irish players that they have not yet qualfied for Euro 2012, despite a 4-0 in in the first leg of their playoff against Estonia.

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has warned his players against complacency after a 4-0 win in the first leg of their Euro 2012 playoff against Estonia.

Keith Andrews, Jonathan Walters and a Robbie Keane brace have all but secured Ireland's place in next year's finals ahead of Tuesday's second leg in Dublin.

However, Trapattoni believes that the tie is not yet over.

"The cat is in the sack but the sack is not closed," said the Italian. "There is still another 90 minutes. The cat is still dangerous, it's a wild cat.

"We have to be serious. The Irish people will wait for a show in Dublin but we have to have the same respect for Estonia.

"In this moment we think we have nearly qualified but don't jump the gun. We must still show the same mentality in the second leg. All Irish people can think it will be easy in Dublin but it's another 90 minutes. We must repeat this performance."

Ireland's last participation in a major international tournament came at the 2002 World Cup.