MARTIN O’NEILL HAS A couple of big decisions to make in the coming weeks as we enter the final month before Ireland line out in their opening Euro 2016 match.
A meeting with Sweden at the Stade de France in Paris kicks off Group E on 13 June before battles with Belgium and Italy in Bordeaux and Lille respectively.
Barring injuries in the final week of the season, the Derryman is likely to have a good idea of the 23 players he plans to bring to this summer’s tournament but he does have one final chance to have a look at his options at the Aviva Stadium in a fortnight’s time.
O’Neill will be at Three’s headquarters in Dublin tomorrow afternoon to name a squad for the friendly with the Netherlands on 27 May.
The game against Danny Blind’s side, who failed to qualify for the European championships for the first time since 1984, gives him the opportunity to answer any remaining questions in his mind before confirming the final squad list the following day.
The team then heads to Fota Island in Cork for a week-long training camp, during which they will face Belarus at Turner’s Cross Tuesday, 31 May, before departing for their base in Versailles five days out from the Sweden game.
Harry Arter’s return to the Bournemouth team in their last two Premier League outings is sure to have caught O’Neill’s eye as he has expressed his admiration for the once-capped midfielder on several occasions in the past and he will be hoping to play himself back into plans against the Dutch.
First choice full-back Seamus Coleman has spent the past month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, which is a concern, while Everton team-mate Darron Gibson, previously written off due to his lack of football, has surprisingly featured in four of the Toffees’ last five matches.
19-year-old Meath teenager Kevin Toner has broken into Aston Villa’s first team in recent weeks with the Midlands club already destined for the Championship, while assistant manager Roy Keane went to watch Irish-eligible Brentford striker Scott Hogan last weekend.
Although O’Neill has been known to spring surprises in the past, Euro 2016 has probably come too soon for the latter pair but they are ones to watch out for when the World Cup qualifiers come around in September.
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Great great player and as tough as they come. Highly regarded in NZ . R I P
They broke the mold when they made him, as tough as a rhinos armor on the field, as gentle as a lamb off it. Way too young to die, a sad day for the entire Irish sports community, not just rugby. Condolences to his family who have obviously lost more than an Irish sporting icon. May he RIP.
Legend.R.I.P.
A hard player and a gent by all accounts. Absolute head of Eric Miller in that photo, uncanny.
r.i.p
Teak tough was Willie Duggan
God rest his soul RIP
@John McCabe: One of the true legends of the game. He will be sadly missed by all fans and all provinces.
@Trevor Johnston: Trevor wasn’t he a hard man in the true sense?
@John McCabe: Yes. I once met the great French Robert Paperemborde. He only knew four words of English. ‘Willie Duggan boom boom’
That was a tribute in its own.
Sadly Robert is also now gone from us
Hard on the field and a Gentleman off. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.
On his retirement Serg Blanco was asked what player he admired most in his career, Willie Duggan of Ireland came the response, Why , he was asked, because ” he smoked more at halftime than I did “
One of the all time greats of Irish rugby. Part of a glorious backrow with O’Driscoll and Slattery. A pleasure to watch him in action.
@Aidan Kearney: Great back row
A true legend of his time rip
First man to be sent off in a five nations game. Completely different beast! RIP
Condolences to his family. A lot of great rugby players seem to pass way too young.
Sad news. His name is synonymous with the amateur game.
Self and a friend after dinner went looking for bob a job, 10/11 yrs old, knocked on his door, Full, Massive Cabbage bacon and Spuds. Spuds were boulders, we didn’t like CBS or want it. We finished it. Sweating cabbage. Don’t think we would of done it for anyone else.
Are you getting warmed up. “Fags and radiator in the car, plenty warmed up” RIP
@seanofiachra: not sure what you try to type…m8¡
@Fank Pulman: Your loss Fank, your loss! RIP Willie.
@Fank Pulman:
A feed of CBS for bob a job, Frank!
Late Willie put it up to 2 youngsters, for the craic.
Heard that one years ago about fags and car rad
Rip to an Irish Rugby Legend
Not a rugby head.,but if I recognise the name ,he had to be great. RIP.
May the great Willie Duggan rest in peace.