Giovanni Trapattoni has defended his decision to leave rising star James McClean sitting on the bench as the Republic of Ireland slipped to defeat against Croatia.

The Italian opted to replace left-winger Aiden McGeady eight minutes into the second half of last night's 3-1 reverse in Poznan.

But rather than turning to specialist McClean, who won rave reviews for his performances with Sunderland in the Barclays Premier League during the second half of last season, he asked striker Simon Cox to line up in the Spartak Moscow man's place.

Trapattoni had anticipated the question and was ready for it when it arrived at the Republic's Gdynia training base this evening.

He said: "I was waiting for this question. Remember when you asked me why five strikers? I said Cox is also a winger and he can also play in a three as an attacking striker. Remember when you said this?

"Cox is one of the strikers but also at his club, can play right or left. He is also a striker in fact and in the past, has scored goals.

"Our wingers yesterday (on Sunday) were not too often in on goal. I ask you, how many goals has McGeady scored? How many goals has (Damien) Duff scored? They are our wingers.

"You don't remember? Also me. This is important because at that moment, we needed someone in that position who could also score.

"Remember also against Italy? Remember Cox scored from this position? He's a good player, Cox."

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