GAFFERS MUTUAL RESPECT.

Byline: By MICHAEL SCULLY

IN A corner of the Croke Park pitch Leo Beenhakker threw his eyes to the heavens and gave thanks.

"Thank you Giovanni, thank you," he exclaimed after being told that Ireland's manager had praised his Poland side and the Dutchman's coaching prowess.

"We are trying to play good football and more people who are involved in professional football are realising that."

Earlier yesterday Trapattoni said that he had come to know Beenhakker through various coaching get-togethers and it's clear the respect is mutual.

"He's a nice guy, a good guy," said the much-travelled Poland supremo who, like Trapattoni, has managed some of the best teams in the world.

He's three years younger than Trap and with a mischievous smile, he added: "You wouldn't know it but we are more or less from the same generation."

Behind Beenhakker's light-hearted mood is a serious mission.

The Poles are joint second in a World Cup qualifying group that includes Northern Ireland but have only won twice in their last eight outings.

In particular their record in friendlies hasn't been good of late. "There is a good Polish word for it: catastrophic," winced the manager.

"I have watched DVDs of Ireland and they are doing a good job, I like the way they play. Like Northern Ireland, they are trying to change their style of play.

"They are trying not to rely all the time on the long ball and want to play using the midfield."

He plans to use this game to play as many of the six subs allowed, depending on circumstances.

"But the only difference with a game like this is that the result doesn't have a consequence for qualification. Friendlies don't exist in international football anymore. You always want to win and play well." And Croke Park itself? "I know it," he said, looking around.

"It's a great stadium and that will especially be true if it's full of Polish people. If there are a lot of Polish people here, it will be a great night."

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STYLE Leo Beenhakker