Russia inspires Ireland to chase football glory

The manager of the Republic of Ireland's football team Giovanni Trapattoni said he aims to learn from Russia's recent soccer success. Impressed by the "mentality" of the Russian players, he plans to take a leaf out of manager Guus Hiddink's book to revitalise the flagging Irish team.

Trapattoni, one of the most successful football coaches to come out of Italy, nodded to Russian manager Guus Hiddink's success at a conference on Wednesday. Under Hiddink's leadership the Russian team climbed 13 positions to 11th place in the FIFA world rankings.

The manager took the reins of the Republic of Ireland squad in May, with orders to rescue it from the football doldrums.

He has since led the team to two friendly victories, and is unbeaten so far.

The manager said he sees similarities between the Irish and Russian teams, and hopes to imitate the Russian side's rapid rise from underdog status. "A good team, with good mentality, it is possible for us. Why not?" he said.

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