Trap refuses to blame Kilbane

Giovanni Trapattoni absolved Kevin Kilbane of any blame for the own goal which cost the Republic of Ireland two vital World Cup points. Ireland were leading Bulgaria 1-0 at Croke Park on Saturday night and had a top-two finish in Group Eight within their grasp when Kilbane, winning his 94th senior cap, unwittingly diverted Stiliyan Petrov’s driven cross into his own net.

Trapattoni said: “I don’t blame Kilbane for what happened. It was an accident. He did not have time to react. He was trying to stop the ball, but there was not much that he could do.”

“We could have won, but I am not disappointed because I know that Bulgaria have many, many players that can cause problems. We should think that we are in a good position. We are second behind Italy, who are the champions of the world”, Trap added.