Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni will be 72 in March

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has dismissed speculation he has suffered a stroke.

The 71-year-old said he was recovering after scheduled surgery and would be in Dublin on 24 January to name his squad for the Nations Cup clash with Wales.

Trapattoni said: "I had a scheduled operation in Milan on 28 December to clean the carotid artery and I am recovering well.

"Contrary to media speculation, I can confirm I have not suffered a stroke."

The match against Wales is in the Aviva Stadium on 8 February.

Trapattoni spent several days in Dublin's Mater Hospital in August last year after being admitted suffering from abdominal pains as a result of minor scar tissue from a previous procedure.

However, the former Italy manager was back in harness for the Euro 2012 qualifier victories over Armenia and Andorra early the following month.

Ireland currently lie second in Group B, level on seven points with Armenia and Slovakia and two behind leaders Russia.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version