Giovanni Trapattoni is in confident mood ahead of the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 play-off against Estonia next month.Estonia stand between the Republic of Ireland and a place in next summer's European Championships after the two were paired together in today's play-off draw.
Having finished second to Russia in qualifying group B for the tournament, Trapattoni's men must now amend a dreadful two-legged record to book their place in Poland and Ukraine. Ireland will start their latest attempt to qualify for a major tournament in Estonia on Friday, November 11, with the return leg at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, November 15. "It is extremely positive for Ireland that we will play the first leg away," veteran coach Trapattoni said. "We should not underestimate our opposition, or any team, including Estonia. "To have made it through to the play-off, they must have quality and mental fortitude. "Our build up to this stage of the competition has shown us the importance of organisation, attention to detail, and self-belief. " Asked if he thought Trapattoni's side would go through, he told Sky Sports News: "Yes. We've got the greatest travelling fans and it would be great to see them on the road again."' The former Liverpool player believes the Republic were fortunate to draw Estonia. He said: "It was probably the easiest of the four (unseeded teams to draw).
"We travel better than we play at home, we've had better results away than we have had at home." Aldridge admitted the suspension of striker Kevin Doyle, still waiting to hear the length of his punishment after being sent off in the qualifier against Armenia on Tuesday which the Republic won 2-1, would be a blow to the team's chances. However, he backed Shane Long to fill the breach. with the other ties seeing Turkey taking on Croatia, the Czech Republic facing Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina going up against Portugal. Portugal and Bosnia were both losers in winner-takes-all showdowns on Tuesday, with Portugal being defeated by Denmark and with it surrendering top spot in Group H, while Bosnia drew 1-1 with France when a win would have seen them pip Laurent Blanc's men to the automatic spot in Group B. The Czechs took second in Group I, winning a two-way tussle with Scotland to finish behind reigning champions Spain.
