Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni is to undergo minor abdominal surgery later on Wednesday. The Italian was admitted to hospital in Dublin with suspected food poisoning on Tuesday but it now appears his stomach condition has been caused by scar tissue from an earlier operation.

A statement from the Football Association of Ireland read: "Giovanni Trapattoni continues to have abdominal pain.

"Following the results of further investigation, and consultation with his surgeon, it has been decided the abdominal pain is as a result of minor scar tissue from previous surgery.

"To relieve the pain, he will undergo minor surgery at 3pm today."

It was confirmed earlier on Wednesday that Trapattoni's assistant Marco Tardelli would oversee the team for the friendly against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium.