From May, Giovanni Trapattoni will be adding the Republic of Ireland to his lengthy managerial CV, and the interweb’s Photoshop genii are already picturing the scene of his first training session. Above, the Italian sizes up big-boned Andy Reid’s shirt-come-tent, while Stephen Ireland’s fleet of dead grandmothers drive by.

[The Guardian Gallery via Pies]

Guess who the FAI met with in secret today? Not Venables, not Trappatoni, but SAM ALLARDYCE.

The best sports on the telebox tonight

Yes, you read that headline correctly. England are in a strong position to qualify for the European Championships (ahem, the U21 version), and a win against the Republic of Ireland in Southampton tonight will give a further boost to the campaign. Have a punt on Aaron Lennon, Theo Walcott and the gang here, using the best odds available.

Tennis
WTA Open Gaz de France Day 2 (British Eurosport, 5.15pm)

U21 Euro Qualifier
England/ Republic of Ireland (Sky Sports 1, 7.30pm)