Euro 2012: Republic of Ireland team profile

BBC Sport takes a closer look at the 16 teams who will contest the 2012 European Championship in Poland and Ukraine. Spain are defending champions. How will the Republic of Ireland fare?

JONATHAN PEARCE'S VERDICT

Jonathan Pearce

"It'll be great to see the country's record scorer Robbie Keane given one last chance on a big international stage a decade on from starring at World Cup 2002. Players like Keith Andrews, Kevin Doyle, Richard Dunne, Damian Duff, Shay Given, John O'Shea and Glenn Whelan and the rest have worked so hard for this. There are no star egos - just good pros throughout the side.

"The squad is crammed with massive club experience. They'll be a match for anyone in commitment and spirit. They can play too.

"No-one will relish an early meeting with the Irish, although tired, ageing legs may count against them as the tournament goes on - and a lack of pace at the back could be a worry at this level."

STAR MAN

Robbie Keane was Ireland's top scorer at their last major tournament, the 2002 World Cup, and almost a decade later the Dubliner remains the chief Irish goal threat.

IRELAND'S GROUP C FIXTURES

  • 10 June - Croatia (Poznan)
  • 14 June - Spain (Gdansk)
  • 18 June - Italy (Poznan)

He contributed seven goals in qualifying, an impressive tally from a side that often struggles to create clear-cut chances. The Irish captain may have lost a yard or two of pace, but there is no doubting the predatory instincts that have yielded a record 53 Ireland goals.

Keane joined Los Angeles Galaxy in August, and created the only goal in the MLS Cup final. The striker can now recharge his batteries in time for the new MLS season, which begins in March, meaning fatigue should not be an issue in Poland-Ukraine.

ONE TO WATCH

In an otherwise workmanlike midfield, Aiden McGeady is one of the few players capable of producing the unexpected. The former Celtic winger, who now plays for Spartak Moscow, was ever present in qualifying, contributing two goals.

RECORD AGAINST ENGLAND

Good . Ireland are unbeaten in their two previous meetings with England at major international tournaments. In addition to the shock win at Euro '88 they held the Three Lions to a draw at the 1990 World Cup. In fact, the last three completed matches have ended in 1-1 draws.

The most recent encounter was a friendly at Lansdowne Road in 1995, but the match was abandoned midway through the first half following rioting from England fans. The Irish led 1-0.

BEST QUALIFYING PERFORMANCE

IRELAND'S QUALIFIERS

  • W - 1-0 Armenia (a)
  • W - 3-1 Andorra (h)
  • L - 2-3 Russia (h)
  • D - 1-1 Slovakia (a)
  • W - 2-1 Macedonia (h)
  • W - 2-0 Macedonia (a)
  • D - 0-0 Slovakia (h)
  • D - 0-0 Russia (a)
  • W - 2-0 Andorra (a)
  • W - 2-1 Armenia (h)
  • W 4-0 Estonia (a) PLAY-OFF
  • D1-1 Estonia (h) PLAY-OFF

TOP SCORER - Keane (7)

Perhaps the outstanding individual display came from centre-back Richard Dunne, who produced an heroic performance in Russia, where the Republic somehow held on for a goalless draw.

But in terms of a team display, it is hard to look beyond the 4-0 play-off win in Estonia, a first-leg result which all but guaranteed qualification. Ireland have often looked uncomfortable in matches where they begin as favourites, but on this occasion Giovanni Trapattoni's side showed no mercy, albeit against limited opposition.

Robbie Keane scored two and made another, while industrious strike partner Jon Walters netted on his full competitive debut, suggesting he may be a viable alternative to Kevin Doyle.

THE BOSS

Giovanni Trapattoni

Trapattoni has stuck to the 4-4-2 formation he believes suits his squad

Giovanni Trapattoni's tactics may not please the purists, but they have certainly proved effective. After watching his side clinch qualification, the wily Italian suggested his side could emulate Greece's surprise victory at Euro 2004.

It may have been a tongue-in-cheek remark, but 'Trap' is certainly overdue some luck at a major international tournament. His Italy side were controversially eliminated by South Korea at the 2002 World Cup, and went out at the group stage at Euro 2004 despite collecting five points.

After securing qualification for Euro 2012, the 72-year-old agreed a two-year contract extension that will keep him with Ireland until the 2014 World Cup.

'Trap' began coaching 37 years ago, before any of the Irish squad were even born. His CV reads like a who's who of European football - AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich and Benfica.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE

Ireland went out at the group stage in their only previous appearance in 1988, but the tournament still holds fond memories for Irish supporters. Ray Houghton's goal secured a famous win against England before the Soviet Union were held to a draw, but defeat to the Dutch sent Ireland out.

WORLD CUP RECORD

Jack Charlton's no-nonsense tactics took Ireland to the quarter-finals of the 1990 World Cup, where they lost narrowly to hosts Italy. They exacted revenge four years later, beating the Azzurri in the group stage of USA '94 before losing to Holland in the second round.

FAMOUS FACE

Sir Terry Wogan - a broadcasting legend synonymous with Irish success in Europe, having commentated on all but one of Ireland's seven Eurovision Song Contest triumphs.

NUMBER ONE EXPORT

St Patrick's Day - quite possibly the most widely celebrated saints' day in the world. That's all the more remarkable given that the man himself - a fifth century priest - is believed to have been born in Wales, and only ended up in the Emerald Isle after being kidnapped by Irish pirates.

Written by Tom McCoy.