Shay Given has urged the FAI to reward Giovanni Trapattoni with a new contract after Ireland put one foot in Poland and the Ukraine.
The Donegal keeper believes Trapattoni has earned the right to another deal after all but sealing Euro 2012 qualification.
Trapattoni wants to stay for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and his hand has been strengthened by Friday night’s emphatic 4-0 first leg win in Tallinn.
The FAI say they won’t talk to the Italian until after the Euro play-offs but Tuesday night’s return game is all but a formality now with the Irish players keen to see their manager’s future resolved.
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“Hopefully he will the contract sorted rather than later,” said record caps holder Given.
“People keep forgetting we are a small nation and we have got to lots of play-offs with him and we were really unlucky against France.
“We have a fantastic chance of going to Poland and Ukraine now. Hopefully he’ll get his contract sorted.”
Having waited 10 years to get to another final, the 2002 World Cup star is ready to savour the moment when Ireland go down Coronation Street at the Aviva on Tuesday.
Given added: “It’s a great feeling. We have had so many sad stories overt the years, talking to you guys after games and everyone is on a real downer. I can’t take the smile off my face.
“We are not there yet but we have got a fantastic chance now of finishing the job off on Tuesday.
“Anything can happen in football - we could get a red card in the first few minutes. Please God we can finish the job off.
“We have got a great bunch of lads and they are all delighted tonight. It’s a great night to be Irish but we will be professional on Tuesday.”
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