Trapattoni angered by Anthony Stokes' Republic absence

Dunne is injured but Stokes has opted out of the four games citing tiredness

Giovanni Trapattoni has hit out at Anthony Stokes after the Celtic striker pulled out of the Republic of Ireland's end-of-season games citing tiredness.

The Republic begin with Tuesday's Nations Cup game against Northern Ireland and other absentees include injured Richard Dunne.

"It is not a job like the working man's. It is not a difficult job," said Trapattoni of Stokes' absence.

"It is unbelievable...we are lucky and we have to enjoy playing football."

Stokes featured as a substitute in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday but then informed the Football Association of Ireland he was unavailable for all four games.

Trapattoni described a modern footballer's lot as an "11-month holiday" and made clear that he was unhappy at Stokes' refusal to report to Dublin.

"I played 70 games every season - national, championship, Europe," added the Italian.

"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.

I don't forget any players, ever

"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 player Stokes for selection in future.

"I don't forget any players, ever," he said.

Dunne has shoulder and Achilles injuries and was suspended for the only competitive game of the fixtures, the Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia.

Ciaran Clark and Caleb Folan had already withdrawn from the squad.

Darron Gibson, Shane Long and Kevin Kilbane are unavailable for the Northern Ireland contest and Sunday's Nations Cup game against Scotland because their club seasons have yet to finish.

"He (Dunne) is suspended also for the Macedonia game so it is better (for him) to stay at home," said Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni of Dunne's absence.

West Brom forward Simon Cox will win his first cap in Tuesday's game alongside Robbie Keane in attack.

Trapattoni has yet to decide whether Liam Lawrence or Seamus Coleman will patrol the right midfield flank while either Kevin Foley or Keith Fahey will partner Keith Andrews in central midfield.

Republic of Ireland: Given, McShane, Delaney, Kelly, Wilson, Lawrence or Coleman, Andrews, Foley or Fahey, Treacy, Keane, Cox.