On a roll: Ireland are set to qualify for Euro 2012

Current Ireland No 2 Marco Tardelli said: ‘It would be important for us to play against a big team before the finals and it would be a good test.’

Another possibility is playing in February. England will play Holland in a game re-arranged after the London riots. It could be cancelled again, however, if they draw England in their Euro 2012 group, leaving the date free. Ireland would push to play England then - as long as they avoid them in the finals draw.

Trapattoni is hoping to persuade senior players such as Robbie Keane not to quit internationals after the summer tournament.

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