Wigan winger Kevin Kilbane has backed new manager Giovanni Trapattoni to lead the Republic of Ireland to the 2010 World Cup.Former Italy boss Trapattoni was appointed last week after a protracted search for Steve Staunton's successor.

Ireland have not qualified for a major tournament since the 2002 World Cup but Kilbane believes the vastly-experienced Trapattoni, 68, is the man to put that right.

Kilbane, who has 87 international caps, said: "It is a big name and one we are all going to be looking forward to working under.

"He is going to bring in different ideas and methods and I am sure every player that is going to be taking part is looking forward to it.

"The start of the last campaign was tough because of the draw we had. This campaign is going to be tough again but we feel as though we can qualify for the World Cup.

"We have to believe that. We have done it before and I am sure we have got the squad capable of doing it again."

Kilbane, 31, has no intention of following the likes of Liverpool's Steve Finnan who, at the same age, recently announced his international retirement.

The former Preston, West Brom and Sunderland midfielder sees exciting times ahead and he hopes to help carry the Republic into a bright new era.

Kilbane added: "It is not going to be about me in a couple of years' time, it is about other players coming through.

"Over the last few years, we have had a lot of new players come in and taste international football and now I am sure they will be looking to take their opportunity over the coming years."

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