Anthony Stokes savaged by Trapattoni after citing tiredness for squad call-off

GIOVANNI Trapattoni is infuriated by Celtic striker Anthony Stokes' decision to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad because of tiredness.

The Italian expressed bemusement yesterday when asked why Stokes had made himself unavailable for all four forthcoming international fixtures, including Sunday's match against Scotland in the Carling Nations Cup.

The Republic also play Northern Ireland tonight in Dublin in the same competition, before a Euro 2012 qualifying match against Macedonia and a friendly with Italy.

Stokes, 22, played 22 minutes of the Scottish Cup final on Saturday as a substitute. Prior to that, his most recent first-team appearance was 17 days earlier, playing 58 minutes of the 3-2 defeat at Inverness. But after the final at Hampden, he informed the Football Association of Ireland he would not be reporting for international duty.

Trapattoni said yesterday: "I spoke with our doctor this morning about this.

"Young players have a fun job. It is not a job like the working man's. It is not a difficult job. For me it is an 11-month holiday. I played 70 games every season -national, championship, Europe.

"It is unbelievable, so we must educate our players. We are lucky and we have to enjoy playing football. It is a fine life.

"It is a new generation. Sometimes there is more pressure now but players should understand how beautiful our job is. Injuries are injuries, but they should visit our doctor. That is the rule. If they are asked by the national team they must go. If they are in hospital or they are dead, that is okay, but if there is an injury they should see our doctor."

Trapattoni insisted, however, that he would still consider former Sunderland and Hibs player Stokes for selection in future. "I don't forget any players, ever," he said.

Meanwhhile, Stokes' club-mate Mark Wilson turned down a place in the Scotland squad - also because of fatigue. He had explained his decision to an "understanding" Levein.

"He was good enough to call me and ask if I thought I needed a rest," said the defender, who has played 34 games this season. "As much as I would love to play for Scotland and play in every game, it just wasn't possible.

"It was maybe two games too far and another four or five training sessions cuts your rest down in the summer to three weeks.

"He was fairly understanding of that and I'm grateful that he does understand and hopefully he will keep me in his mind for future internationals."