Ireland Return to the Promised Land- Euro 2012

Let hope inspire you, but let not idealism blind you- Don Henley

So the dust has finally settled on Ireland's comprehensive win over Estonia. Trapattoni has finally silenced his doubters...for now at least. A place at Euro 2012 awaits. Undoubtedly this is a place richly deserved not least for the exploits in Paris 2 years ago, but also to those who have endured the tough times since the exuberant run in Japan and Korea 10 years ago, particularly those who suffered in the Staunton reign where the team was pilloried from every corner of the island.

Indeed only 5 years have passed since Ireland were excruciatingly humiliated by Cyprus 5-2, and to compound that some months later they were nearly held by the lowly San Marino. Without doubt Ireland were at their lowest ebb in decades.

It is to Trapattoni's eternal credit that he has restored the credibility and pride of the national team. Regardless of his style of play Ireland are back at a major tournament for the first time in 10 years. As well as that he has probably inherited a less talented side than either Jack Charlton or Mick McCarthy before him.

However he does have a core of battle hardened veterans desperate to leave a mark on the international stage. This core is clearly led by the man mountain that is Richard Dunne. Trapattoni has built a rock solid defence around Dunne and Ireland's defensive record has been outstanding under Trapattoni conceding only 8 goals in 12 games to qualify.

Indeed if anything happens under Trapattoni there won't be any embarrassing defeats that blighted Staunton's reign. Admittedly there may also be questions about the attack, but the other key man of the team, Robbie Keane has proven time and again for Ireland that he is a threat whilst they always remain consistently dangerous at set pieces since Trapattoni took over. Added to that they did score 20 goals in 12 games which is hardly disastrous by any means.

Equally Trapattoni has often being criticized for leaving out some bigger names and whilst it would be interesting to see Seamus Coleman and one of perhaps James McCarthy or Wes Hoolahon in the team Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan have done a good job in the midfield. They may not be the best, technically, but they have the fire and determination that all Ireland teams must require.

Again Trapattoni's doubters will say we could be found out at the finals, but the standard of international football is not as good as it once was. Aside from Germany and Spain, Ireland will be more than a match for all the other participating nations. Indeed a potential group could hold Poland, Greece and Italy. Certainly that would not a group to be fearful of.

 The possibilities are endless now for Ireland. Of course a minor tweak in attack is an aspect many would like to see. However Ireland's performance over the years against the major footballing powers, including Trapattoni's era, suggests we wont be inclined to change the channel like we were for some of the qualifiers.

And wouldn't it be great if the cherry on top of the finals cake was a rematch with England. One can only hope and dream that an Irish player will join Ray Houghton in sticking the ball in the back of an English net.