Players are upbeat and prepared for French test says Tardelli
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MARCO Tardelli is happy that the Republic of Ireland squad will have recovered in terms of both morale and physical condition in time for tomorrow's second-leg in Paris.
The Irish No 2 liked what he saw during training yesterday and believes that morale has now been recovered fully from Saturday's setback.
"The players are very good, we have no injuries and they are very bright. There's no problem with morale," he said,
"Nothing has changed -- we needed to win here and we need to win in France -- sometimes it just doesn't happen."
How will the French approach the game and can we expect to see changes in the Irish team too?
changes
"Perhaps Giovanni will make changes tonight, I don't know but the French, they will not change, no.
"I think the French will have the same approach. Sure, they will be without Abidal and Toulalan but it will still be the same team, a very good team. We have to keep our head high."
Tardelli believes that there are goals in this Irish team even if they haven't been in evidence to any great extent during the qualifying games.
"After France scored, the Irish team tried to draw the match and we had three or four big chances -- Whelan, O'Shea, Lawrence. I think it's possible to play well in France without worry. The players are ready, no problem. I saw our players today and they are very strong, both physically and mentally."
Tardelli also believes that the the after-match incident involving Lasanna Diarra and Keith Andrews will now be put to bed. He added: "This is a football match, not a war."
- Paul Hyland
