THE BUILD-UP to Ireland’s much-anticipated friendly against England this afternoon has centred around matters off the pitch as the FAI have become embroiled in the ongoing Fifa corruption storm.
Martin O’Neill, Roy Keane and John O’Shea have all had to bat away questions about John Delaney and the latest scandal rocking world football but now that the game is finally upon us, attention can turn to what happens on the pitch.
While there are no points at stake, bragging right are on the line as well as an opportunity for players on both sides to put themselves forward for selection ahead of next week’s qualifying games.
Here, we look at five Ireland players who will be particularly keen to catch the manager’s eye on Sunday ahead of the serious business that lies ahead.
Harry Arter
Harry Arter is yet to make his senior debut but Roy Keane spoke on Friday about how the Bournemouth midfielder impressed the management team during the goalless draw with Northern Ireland and you’d imagine he’d be given an opportunity against England.
The 25-year-old is coming off the back of an incredible season with Bournemouth and would bring an added dimension to Ireland’s limited attack. Arter doesn’t have anything to prove but he’ll be determined to work his way into O’Neill’s plans.
He’s very much of the same ilk as Wes Hoolahan and is a player who isn’t afraid to get on the ball and make things happen – something that Ireland are desperately in need of.
Shane Long
Just like Giovanni Trapattoni, O’Neill has been somewhat reluctant to place faith in Shane Long since taking over the reins. The Southampton striker endured a difficult start to the campaign at St Mary’s but made an impression in the final months of the year under Ronald Koeman.
Of Ireland’s five Euro 2016 qualifiers, Long has featured in just three and started only once – that disappointing defeat in Glasgow. But a last-gasp goal to salvage a draw against Poland last time out may just be a turning point.
His goal at Wembley two years ago earned the Boys in Green a draw against England and how he would dearly love to play a similar role this time around.
Cyrus Christie
The left-back role has been a problem area for Ireland for some time. No player seems to be able to make it their own and Cyrus Christie may just fancy grasping the opportunity.
Stephen Ward has been the preferred choice under O’Neill with Robbie Brady also deputising there at times but with the former an injury doubt for Sunday, Christie might be given the nod.
Although he made his debut on the opposite side against USA, the Derby defender is a versatile operator and left-back is the one position where Ireland have limited options.
Jeff Hendrick
It was another disappointing season for Jeff Hendrick and the Irish contingent at Derby as they suffered more heartache – this time missing the playoffs on the final day.
However, the Dubliner continues to develop and and seven Championship goals last term would suggest he’s having more of an impact in the final third. The midfielder has yet to really transfer that club form onto the international stage but with another year of experience under his belt, he’ll be looking to kick-on and prove he’s deserving of a place in the Irish engine room.
David Forde
David Forde will have arrived for international duty last week wondering what he did wrong to lose his place to Shay Given and what he has to do to win it back.
The Millwall goalkeeper was dropped to the bench for the 1-1 draw with Poland with many quarters feeling it was a harsh decision on a player who has barely put a foot wrong since taking the gloves following Given’s retirements.
Yet, O’Neill opted to bring back Given following his decision to return to the set-up and Forde now needs to go out and show the manager why he deserves a starting place for the serious business that lies ahead.
The game kicks-off at 1pm this afternoon.
