John O’Shea and Richard Keogh are replaced in the heart of the defence by Ciaran Clark and Shane Duffy, with the latter missing out on the game in Serbia through suspension, while James McCarthy replaces Glenn Whelan in midfield.
“My initial reaction is surprise, bordering on shock. A new central defensive partnership playing for the first time in a competitive international,” Dunphy said ahead of the game.
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“John O’Shea dropped for reasons I cannot fathom. No Wes Hoolahan, who would be great on a night like this – against opponents like this.
“James McCarthy played 38 minutes (for Everton against West Brom in August) and was taken off for tactical reasons which means he was benched by Ronaldo Koeman at Everton.
“He subsequently had an operation on a groin injury, and hasn’t played any football since. He cannot possibly be fit to play international football.
“I have been critical of Glenn Whelan in the past, but he did well against Manchester United for Stoke at the weekend, and he’s an awful lot fitter to play tonight in that position than James McCarthy.
“It’s a shocking team, it’s almost as if they put the names in a hat and pulled them out. I think it’s terrible.”
Below is the Ireland team to take on Georgia and you can follow the game here.
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'It's a shocking team, it's almost as if they put the names in a hat and pulled them out'
RTÉ FOOTBALL PUNDIT Eamon Dunphy has once again criticised Martin O’Neill’s team selection, ahead of tonight’s qualifier against Georgia.
John O’Shea and Richard Keogh are replaced in the heart of the defence by Ciaran Clark and Shane Duffy, with the latter missing out on the game in Serbia through suspension, while James McCarthy replaces Glenn Whelan in midfield.
“My initial reaction is surprise, bordering on shock. A new central defensive partnership playing for the first time in a competitive international,” Dunphy said ahead of the game.
“John O’Shea dropped for reasons I cannot fathom. No Wes Hoolahan, who would be great on a night like this – against opponents like this.
“James McCarthy played 38 minutes (for Everton against West Brom in August) and was taken off for tactical reasons which means he was benched by Ronaldo Koeman at Everton.
“He subsequently had an operation on a groin injury, and hasn’t played any football since. He cannot possibly be fit to play international football.
“I have been critical of Glenn Whelan in the past, but he did well against Manchester United for Stoke at the weekend, and he’s an awful lot fitter to play tonight in that position than James McCarthy.
“It’s a shocking team, it’s almost as if they put the names in a hat and pulled them out. I think it’s terrible.”
Below is the Ireland team to take on Georgia and you can follow the game here.
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
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