SHAY GIVEN’S ABSENCE means Darren Randolph will surely get a chance to continue, after a solid substitute outing against Germany. Worryingly, none of Ireland’s three squad goalkeepers — Randolph, David Forde and Rob Elliot — are first choice with their clubs. The only Irish goalkeeper who is currently playing first-team club football, Keiren Westwood, has been overlooked for the squad.
Meanwhile, fit-again Seamus Coleman will likely come back in at right-back, while Robbie Brady was impressive in midfield against Germany, so perhaps Marc Wilson might be the best option at left-back with Stephen Ward unavailable. Elsewhere, Richard Keogh and John O’Shea have done more than enough to keep their places in the centre of defence.
Midfield
In midfield, Martin O’Neill will be highly tempted to re-introduce the fresh Glenn Whelan, who missed the Germany match through suspension, while James McClean may also be in line to start. But the midfield was so impressive against Germany that it would be harsh to drop anyone, so Robbie Brady, James McCarthy and Jeff Hendrick undoubtedly deserve to play. The Ireland coach has indicated that Wes Hoolahan may not be able to play two games in such a short space of time, but the 33-year-old has become so integral to this Irish side that he will surely play if possible.
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Attack
Up front, Jon Walters is odds-on to start after an inspirational display against the Germans, and he will add some vital defensive cover in midfield when Ireland don’t have the ball. Who O’Neill starts alongside him is uncertain — Shane Long will fancy his chances after that stunning goal against Germany, though Robbie Keane and Daryl Murphy are also both viable candidates, as O’Neill may again prefer to spring the speedy Tipperary native from the bench.
Our Ireland XI to play Poland (diamond formation with Walters dropping back)
Here's what we think the Ireland starting XI should be tonight
Goalkeeper & Defence
SHAY GIVEN’S ABSENCE means Darren Randolph will surely get a chance to continue, after a solid substitute outing against Germany. Worryingly, none of Ireland’s three squad goalkeepers — Randolph, David Forde and Rob Elliot — are first choice with their clubs. The only Irish goalkeeper who is currently playing first-team club football, Keiren Westwood, has been overlooked for the squad.
Meanwhile, fit-again Seamus Coleman will likely come back in at right-back, while Robbie Brady was impressive in midfield against Germany, so perhaps Marc Wilson might be the best option at left-back with Stephen Ward unavailable. Elsewhere, Richard Keogh and John O’Shea have done more than enough to keep their places in the centre of defence.
Midfield
In midfield, Martin O’Neill will be highly tempted to re-introduce the fresh Glenn Whelan, who missed the Germany match through suspension, while James McClean may also be in line to start. But the midfield was so impressive against Germany that it would be harsh to drop anyone, so Robbie Brady, James McCarthy and Jeff Hendrick undoubtedly deserve to play. The Ireland coach has indicated that Wes Hoolahan may not be able to play two games in such a short space of time, but the 33-year-old has become so integral to this Irish side that he will surely play if possible.
Attack
Up front, Jon Walters is odds-on to start after an inspirational display against the Germans, and he will add some vital defensive cover in midfield when Ireland don’t have the ball. Who O’Neill starts alongside him is uncertain — Shane Long will fancy his chances after that stunning goal against Germany, though Robbie Keane and Daryl Murphy are also both viable candidates, as O’Neill may again prefer to spring the speedy Tipperary native from the bench.
Our Ireland XI to play Poland (diamond formation with Walters dropping back)
Randolph
Coleman Keogh O’Shea Wilson
McCarthy
Hendrick Brady
Hoolahan
Walters Long
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Euro 2016 Qualifiers Darren Randolph James McClean Opinion Ireland Republic Poland Wes Hoolahan