Giovanni Trapattoni upbeat after tough Euro 2012 draw

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is remaining upbeat after his side was handed a tough draw in Group C for the Euro 2012 finals.

The Republic will face reigning champions Spain, Italy and Croatia.

"It is a difficult draw but all things are possible in football and I am very confident," said Trapattoni.

"I know Italy well, Spain are obviously a very strong team and Croatia have good players. We must retain a strong mentality and keep our players fit."

"I am happy to be playing and training in Poland," added the Republic boss.

Republic midfielder Keith Andrews admitted that his side faced "a tough draw".

"It would have been nice to be drawn against one of the hosts but we got the world and European champions so the draw could have been kinder," said Andrews.

"We are going to be playing some of the best teams in the world, but we'll look forward to the games.

"We will be fully focused by the time the game against Spian comes around.

"We are unbeaten against Italy in recent years and the manager will know them inside out.

"We are fully aware of Croatia's strengths - they are a good footballing side, but we are confident we can get a result against them in our opening game."

"I'm delighted for the supporters, we are not in the tournament to make up the numbers, we will give it a go," added FAI chief executive John Delaney.