Trapattoni sticking with tested Ireland formula

Giovanni Trapattoni has told the Republic of Ireland's young hopefuls they will have to bide their time as the manager finalises his plans for both this week's friendly against the Czech Republic and UEFA EURO 2012.

Trapattoni included uncapped Everton FC defender Shane Duffy and Sunderland AFC winger James McClean in his squad for the Dublin meeting with the Czechs, but they will not start the game as the Italian coach has already named his starting lineup.

Trapattoni said at his pre-match media conference that Duffy and McClean, plus Wigan Athletic FC midfielder James McCarthy, may be introduced from the bench as the match wears on but the Ireland boss is initially counting on experience.

"I will start with the group that helped us qualify for the final tournament," explained the manager, who confirmed that midfielder Keith Fahey and forward Kevin Doyle have left the squad for treatment on injuries. "In the second half I may use some of the younger players – maybe Shane Duffy and James McClean. We can add them to our system so they will understand better what we usually do on the pitch."

The 72-year-old also stated his intention to stick with the established order when asked if any player could break into his plans for UEFA EURO 2012. "At the moment there is no chance," he said. "If there is an injury then maybe one or two can come in. We have another game against Bosnia and Herzegovina in May but this squad, maybe with one player more or less, will be the [finals] squad."

Ireland hope the encounter with Michal Bílek's Czech side – who will be without the injured Tomáš Rosický – will give them an indication of what to expect against Croatia in their first fixture at this summer's finals. "The Czech team is one with personality and a mix of young and experienced players," Trapattoni added. "It will be a good test for us."

Ireland captain Robbie Keane will return to the United States and LA Galaxy after the match, having completed a successful short-term loan with Aston Villa FC. "The spell at Villa was great," said Keane, who scored three goals in six top-flight games for the Premier League club. "Keeping fit and getting games under my belt, it couldn't have worked out better."