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Do you agree with our Ireland team to face Switzerland?

Mick McCarthy has some big calls to make after Saturday’s frustrating stalemate against Georgia.

aaron-connolly Ireland need to beat Switzerland or Denmark to qualify for Euro 2020. Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO

Goalkeeper/Defence

AS MICK MCCARTHY was quick to point out on Saturday in Tbilisi, Darren Randolph did not have one save to make against Georgia.

The hosts enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and created the most attacking opportunities, but failed to force the Middlesborough shot-stopper into a single stop during the 0-0 stalemate. Randolph has been in superb form for club and country in recent seasons and is (to use a terrible cliche) consistently the first name on the team-sheet.

There weren’t many positives to be taken from Saturday’s dreary 0-0 in Tbilisi, but fit-again Shane Duffy and man-of-the-match John Egan accounted themselves very well at the back. There were some initial worries that Richard Keogh’s absence would be a cause for concern heading into the final three qualifiers.

But Egan has been a superb replacement, the 26-year-old finally getting the opportunity at international level which his performances at Sheffield United have been calling out for. The Cork native hit the post with Ireland’s closest sight at goal. Combined with Duffy at the heart of defence, he also helped keep a fourth clean sheet from six qualifiers.

Seamus Coleman had a relatively quiet night against Georgia, defending well when he needed to, and will almost certainly retain his place at right-back. Form-wise over the last 18 months Matt Doherty has been the best Irish player in the Premier League, but again he struggled to replicate his Wolves performance levels against Georgia.

He is at his best deployed at right-wing back, but the Dubliner was crowbared in at left back out of his natural position over the weekend. He enjoyed one excellent, mazy run in the first-half but didn’t offer the same attacking threat which we all know he has in his armoury. Back from suspension, Enda Stevens should slot back in at left-full to complete a solid, reliable backline.

Midfield

It was a tough night for Mick McCarthy’s midfield on Saturday and an even tougher watch for supporters. Chances were few and far between for the visitors and a clear absence of creativity and cutting edge in the middle of the park was a big reason for this.

Although criticised for leaving gaps at the back, Glenn Whelan did actually make some vital blocks and interceptions to deny Georgia. Aside from that, however, the 35-year-old had a night to forget — his distribution was very poor and he was caught for pace on a number of occasions.

jano-ananidze-and-conor-hourihane Jano Ananidze and Conor Hourihane. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

Conor Hourihane and Jeff Hendrick were also frustrating. Both are Premier League midfielders and established internationals, but neither was able to provide any real influence. 

Hourihane did provide the cross for Egan’s header which hit the post. That chance was Ireland’s biggest sight at goal all night and the Aston Villa man’s threat from set-pieces (like his free-kick against Georgia in Dublin) cannot be overlooked. 

Jack Byrne made an excellent first impression during last month’s friendly against Bulgaria, but Mick McCarthy is unlikely to start the 23-year-old in such a high-stakes qualifier away from home considering Ireland need to beat either Switzerland or Denmark to qualify.

Like Byrne, Josh Cullen was also excellent against Bulgaria, make no bones about it. While it is extremely tempting to start Byrne and/or Cullen, the pair must be taken in context: together they have just over 120 minutes of senior international football between them.

Parachuting either man into the starting XI with such little experience at this level in a pivotal qualifier away from home would put massive pressure on their shoulders, something McCarthy is unlikely to do despite their obvious talent and promise. 

This means that despite his underwhelming display versus Georgia, Whelan will likely retain his spot anchoring a midfield trio. Alan Browne played 15 minutes off the bench on Saturday. The Preston playmaker could offer that little bit of spark to create chances for Robinson and Connolly up front instead of Hendrick, as could Alan Judge.

Attack

The stats were not kind to James McClean against Georgia. We all know the Stoke City man has bucketloads of passion when representing his country and will always try his best — but he gave away possession a sum total 25 times against Georgia.

Trusted consistently by Martin O’Neill and Mick McCarthy over the last four qualifying campaigns, the 30-year-old may finally make way for a more potent, dangerous option on the left flank.

Either Callum O’Dowda or Judge could be brought into the starting XI. A creative outside, Judge is a threat with his pinpoint delivery and set-piece ability, while O’Dowda’s crossing from the flank may also provide an improvement on McClean.

Callum Robinson has been a solid performer since making his senior debut against Wales in the Uefa Nations League. He has looked at home in the Premier League with Sheffield (scoring against Chelsea) and is currently Ireland’s best option on the wing.

Up top, James Collins didn’t produce a shot on target in Tbilisi, but this cannot be entirely blamed on the Luton striker as service to Collins was virtually non-existent. All that said, the difference in attacking quality Ireland showcased following the introduction of Aaron Connolly cannot be overlooked.

The 19-year-old scored a superb brace against Tottenham a fortnight ago and produced two massive chances during his 16 minute cameo off the bench — almost snatching a dramatic winner with a brilliant run behind in stoppage time.

With David McGoldrick officially ruled out and McCarthy admitting the young Galway attacker ‘is ready to start’ against Switzerland, Connolly should get his opportunity to lead the line after a throughly encouraging debut against Georgia and his double against Spurs.

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64 Comments
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    Mute Shameless McFly™
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    Oct 14th 2019, 6:26 PM

    I’ve absolutleu no idea why O’Dowda is so fondly viewed by the 42 and Irish fans. He’s done absolutley nothing with his game time for the senior team. I’d have connolly on the left and Collins up front. I wouldn’t even have called O’Dowda up.

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    Mute Joe
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    Oct 14th 2019, 6:29 PM

    @Shameless McFly™: played an important role in the back end of WCQ 2018 in Moldova win and Denmark away in play offs. Not bad in a midfield 3

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    Mute John Mc Glynn
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    Oct 14th 2019, 6:31 PM

    @Shameless McFly™: Cos hes not Mclean

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    Mute Shameless McFly™
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    Oct 14th 2019, 6:33 PM

    @Joe: not enough for me I’m afraid. 16 caps and nothing to show for it! If rather throw Connolly into the deep end. He looks like an exciting prospect.

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    Mute Shameless McFly™
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    Oct 14th 2019, 6:33 PM

    @John Mc Glynn: I’d rather we played with 10 men and left the left wing spot empty than have Mcclean in there.

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    Mute Frank McClintock
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:10 PM

    @Shameless McFly™: Absolutely agree.

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    Mute Daniel Goddard
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:29 PM

    @Shameless McFly™: you cannot be serious?

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    Mute Ger
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:47 PM

    @Joe: agreed. He had potential but he hasn’t realised it. If he had he’d be playing in the premiership by now. He has more craft about him than McClean but so has my granny, and she’s been dead since the 70s.

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    Mute páraicS
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    Oct 14th 2019, 9:22 PM

    @Shameless McFly™: Collins? Not even close to a footballer.

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    Mute IGotTeeth
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    Oct 15th 2019, 11:15 AM

    @Shameless McFly™: I think he’s a fine player who is still developing. When you look at the team most of the lads are the finished product and wont develop more. I think O’Dowda can. Admittedly, yes, he hasn’t done it for Ireland. I’m not sure why but I’d for sure agree with you. He seems a little greedy with the ball at times (but I think this is because he wants to impress though).

    Anyway, I like this Attack and Defense of the above but that midfield….personally I’d have it 4-2-1-3 and have Browne and Hendrick holding (with 1 or both of them allowed to push up at times – only 1 at a time though) with Jack Byrne in front of them to play the ball about (I know he was dropped – bad decision I think! – he plays forward passes!!).

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    Mute Blackie Connors
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    Oct 14th 2019, 6:18 PM

    Coleman is a good yard off the pace now his best days are behind him now

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    Mute Mick Rooney (TIPM)
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    Oct 14th 2019, 6:34 PM

    @Blackie Connors: I agree that the issue with Coleman’s pace since he returned from long-term injury needs to be looked at and addressed, but that’s for another time and campaign. He’s the least of our problems at the moment. We are a horror show in midfield at the moment.

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    Mute Frank McClintock
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:28 PM

    @Blackie Connors: Possibly – he’s 31 now. However he remains our best right-back, our captain and one of our best players. I think our problems run a lot deeper than Seamus Coleman.

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    Mute Mike
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:54 PM

    @Frank McClintock: Coleman is important against good teams where we have 20% possession but he’s brutal going forward against weaker sides. But yes, midfield is killing us at the moment. Nobody wants the ball except McClean and he’s a headless chicken when he does get it. Agree also with the comments on O’Dowda. He shouldn’t be next nor near the team.

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    Mute John Mc Glynn
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    Oct 14th 2019, 6:30 PM

    Weso could still have a role to play. Yeah i know hes injured but hear me out. Get him on the phone to his former Norwich team-mate James Maddison, who didnt seem to give a crap bout the England match the other night while he sat in a casino gamblin away. Hes a Norwich fan and Weso is his idle.
    Tell him he will be the 1st choice creative spark under our new progressive manager (Kenny, Obviously) instead of being benched behind Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Grealish…. And that he will be adored by a nation rather than harassed by a nations media- sure the Irish love a flutter too.
    And while Wes is at it, get him on the blower to Todd Cantwell? aswell. Sure his name is Cantwell for christs sake.
    That should help out our midfield which was horrendous the other night.

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    Mute Thomas Langan
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    Oct 14th 2019, 6:15 PM

    100%. Strong defence. Whelan a defensive shield infront of the back 4 and speed up front

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    Mute Paddy Norton
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    Oct 14th 2019, 6:35 PM

    @Thomas Langan: I’d have Cullen in for whelan

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    Mute Augustus hoop
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    Oct 14th 2019, 6:57 PM

    @Thomas Langan: more an ozone layer than a shield – watch the last time we played the Swiss how schar (twice the goal and about 5 mins before it) walked straight through the gap left by whelan……
    he is full of effort but isn’t quick enough to be where he should be consistently and his Passing has been good recently but was awful last 2 competitive games.
    Please start Cullen

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    Mute Mick Rooney (TIPM)
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    Oct 14th 2019, 7:38 PM

    @Augustus hoop: Whelan has been much maligned over the years. More often the criticism has been fair, but sometimes very unfair. Everyone wants to sum up his international career by all the occasions he stood like a statue in midfield, played a hopeless pass, or couldn’t instigate an attacking build up move to save his life. But what gets constantly forgotten is the countless times he’s been there to break up a counterattack, save a lot of defensive errors by putting the boot in right at the last moment. Not a great footballing epitaph, but he’s played his role in stopping goals against Ireland that could and should have been scored by the opposition and he doesn’t get nearly the credit he deserves for that.

    Earlier in qualifying he put together two pretty strong performances, by any standards, and left a lot of people wondering where this Whelan 2.0 had been hiding all his career. Alas, the move to Scotland has meant the reemergence of the old Whelan 1.0.

    McCarthy needs to be brave now. Put Hendrick in the defensive role or use Josh Cullen.

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    Mute Augustus hoop
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:07 PM

    @Mick Rooney (TIPM): I couldn’t agree more – some of the biggest hammerings we had in the last (Germany 5-1 etc) were when whelan wasn’t playing. And he suffered badly from his best years aligning with a period when trap didn’t want him to touch the ball. I also agree he looked good in Mick’s first two games. But the last two, he didn’t look good and I genuinely feel we’ve better options (not sure I agree hendrick is one of them though) who could be at least as effective defensively but also good on the ball.
    By the way he isn’t our biggest issue right now, but having defended him for years when it really was the case, I can’t accept people telling me he’s our best option anymore.

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    Mute Rossielover
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    Oct 14th 2019, 6:48 PM

    I’d play Coleman as a third center back abs Stevens and dotherty wing backs

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    Mute Seagoat returns
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    Oct 14th 2019, 6:54 PM

    @Rossielover: I have been advocating that one for a while, Coleman has lost his pace so rcb is perfect and allows Doherty and Stevens play their club positions, also takes out McClean in the process.

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    Mute Mick Rooney (TIPM)
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    Oct 14th 2019, 7:05 PM

    @Rossielover: The defence is not the problem. This really isn’t the kind of match you start tinkering with wholesale formation changes because it doesn’t address the core midfield problem. Stevens is the perfect example of a player who can quickly adapt at international level and play in a traditional LB role and instantly made it his own. We’ve now played Doherty in three different positions and he has looked ill-at-ease in all of them. He’s like a square peg in a round hole and he’s quickly turning into a fringe utility player.

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    Mute Frank McClintock
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:32 PM

    @Mick Rooney (TIPM): Everybody looks ill at ease right now.. He’s been the most impressive Irish player around over last 18 months. If a manager can’t accomodate one of the best players available to him perhaps it isn’t the player’s fault.

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    Mute Mick Rooney (TIPM)
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    Oct 15th 2019, 1:02 AM

    @Frank McClintock: He has what, 7 or 8 caps now? He has excelled at club level, not internationally. He has been accommodated in three different positions since 2018 with two different managers. A bit of perspective here… this is Matt Doherty of Wolves, not Ronaldo. You don’t build a team and reinvent your whole structure based on one player who has done absolutely nothing at international level. The Republic of Ireland squads at senior and lower levels don’t generally play wing back systems. That is to assist the development of players from the underage levels through to senior level. Doherty is 27 years of age! Are you seriously suggesting we change the structure of the senior team just to accommodate one player who thinks he is a ‘star’?

    Stevens had absolutely no problem with his transition on the left side. No fuss… no prima donna stuff…. no shooting his mouth off to the media as to why he was not getting more opportunities with O’Neill and McCarthy.

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    Mute dan o keeffe
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    Oct 14th 2019, 7:50 PM

    Is denis Irwin still injured?

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    Mute Brianto
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:24 PM

    Two words…. JACK BYRNE

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    Mute Paddy D
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    Oct 14th 2019, 7:04 PM

    what has harry arter done to mick mcarthy has to be some reason players from league of ireland and lower standard championship teams getting picked ahead of him . 3-5-2 egan,duffy coleman rcb stevens and doherty wing backs cullen hourihane jack byrne connolly and collins up front

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    Mute Seagoat returns
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    Oct 14th 2019, 7:11 PM

    @Paddy D: now that’s a team you can get behind, I would go with mcgoldrick instead of Collins if fit, would also rather Shane long then Collins for his work rate

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    Mute Paddy D
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    Oct 14th 2019, 9:42 PM

    @Seagoat returns: yea was going by fitness definitely have long in there connolly would feed of him and defenders hate marking him

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    Mute O'Cinnéide Pól
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    Oct 14th 2019, 7:46 PM

    I still think the problem is in midfield, no matter who we have on the wings or upfront. Our midfielders never look to get their feet on the ball. I always think a good midfielder should look to collect the ball off the centre backs/full backs, get their head up and move the ball. Obviously there are times when you have to boot it up the field but we need better movement from our midfielders off the ball, give those around them an option, be brave enough and confident enough to demand the ball and turn. We need some continuity. The amount of times you see Whelan pointing to Duffy to play the ball long is ridiculous. Our midfield trio are very average and they really don’t help themselves. Do we have better options? I think so, Browne or Cullen are decent players and deserve a chance.

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    Mute Frank McClintock
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:18 PM

    @O’Cinnéide Pól: There’s more to coaching than simply picking a team. We were set up so poorly the other day, we were a disjointed disfunctional mess. A stark contrast to Kenny’s U-21s where the players have defined roles and a clear system of play has been inculcated.

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    Mute O'Cinnéide Pól
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:51 PM

    @Frank McClintock: Of course there is, otherwise we could all be coaches. We have been hampered by the quality of player, there’s no doubt about that. We cannot get those players, especially the midfield to play a braver style of football, because they’re not good enough and don’t do it with their clubs. Is there a more effective way of playing? I think so but we need different personnel and that’s up to who the coach picks. I’m not saying all of a sudden we’ll be world beaters but we need to look at something different because at the moment it’s not working.

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    Mute Joe
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    Oct 14th 2019, 6:27 PM

    If Robinson isn’t physical enough to play on the wing against Georgia he’ll be ripped to shreads against Switzerland. Would put Doherty RM but we all know that won’t happen. Good team

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    Mute Frank McClintock
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:22 PM

    @Joe: He gets caught out defensively. It isn’t his position, he plays as a striker at club level.

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    Mute George McCarthy
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:06 PM

    Crowley with Birmingham should be playing

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    Mute Augustus hoop
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:09 PM

    @George McCarthy: has he definitely declared? He seemed unsure before and then there was a question about passport…..

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    Mute Frank McClintock
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:20 PM

    @George McCarthy: Crowley’s eligibility is still in question.

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    Mute Jazz Buckler
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:41 PM

    Hendrick should defo be out. He was terrible against Georgia. He contributed more to them than he did to Ireland with his demoralisingly bad passes into nowhere. Looked more dazed than he usually does.

    I like what I’ve seen of Alan Judge so far. He’s made very solid contributions, looks alert and calm and good reader of the game, great free taker and been involved in important goals.

    Best form of defence is attack and we’ll need to do that against the Swiss. In fairness, Mick knows that more than many other Irish mgrs. Swiss would have demolished the Danes only for Schmeichal and they are accurate unlike Georgia.

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    Mute nocor
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:20 PM

    Agree with a back 3 of Coleman Duffy Egan, Stevens and Doherty wingbacks with Cullen and Hourihane in the middle.. Connolly and Collins upfront – although I d still have James McC, Arter and Shane Long in ahead of anyone else..

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    Mute Allen Durkin
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    Oct 14th 2019, 7:24 PM

    Is Seanie Maguire injured or is he just not good enough. His lightening pace would surely trouble any defence.

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    Mute Mick Rooney (TIPM)
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    Oct 14th 2019, 7:53 PM

    @Allen Durkin: He is available and Robbie Keane has been working directly with him one-on-one. He’s significantly slipped down the pecking order so clearly the Ireland coaching staff have identified some issue. I’ve looked at some of the recent club games he played and I’ve not seen much lightning pace. He has had a couple of injury spells and not seemed close to the player he was two years ago.

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    Mute Geebag
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    Oct 14th 2019, 9:01 PM

    All that needs to happen is judge byrne cullen in the midfield, connolly up top and o dowda and doherty on the flanks, thats a team that’ll make chances, and bring the big man on if we need a goal for a midfielder.

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    Mute Padraig
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    Oct 14th 2019, 7:18 PM

    That’s a damn good team selection.

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    Mute Frank McClintock
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:09 PM

    Is this the team you’re advocating or the one you think Mick’ll pick? You seem confused… Anyway, Browne is anything but a ‘playmaker’, and is having a poor season at PNE, where,he has been been limited to a couple of appearances as a makeshift right-back and a few run-outs for their second string in the cups. I wouldn’t even have had him in the squad, much less the team. Similarly, prior to the squad announcement, O’Dowda had started 4 league matches since February – again, he has no business being in the squad let alone the starting line-up in such a pivotal game. Robinson’s demonstrably not a right-sided midfielder; he simply isn’t good enough defensively. And it would be rank stupidity to leave out a player of Doherty’s quality.

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    Mute Hans Vos
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    Oct 14th 2019, 8:42 PM

    Even if I don’t agree, I’ve no say in it.

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    Mute simplysuperman69
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    Oct 14th 2019, 10:12 PM

    Why play O’Dowda on the left and Robinson on the right ? they’re better off the other way around where they can do damage cutting inside onto their strong foot, this isn’t the 90s anymore and we already have problems with everything being funnelled out wide and then not knowing what to do with it when we get to the final third because nobody wants to go inside.

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    Mute Eoin Murphy
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    Oct 14th 2019, 9:34 PM

    I know that game there was dire but I would like to remind everyone that ipswich were 10th in the championship with mccarthy last season, when he got sacked because ipswich weren’t playing sexy football they immediately got relegated in bottom position. Be careful what you wish for. Also while he’s probably our best striker everyone needs to calm down about connelly. He’s scored a brace in the premiership but don’t expect too much of him. He’s not even in the ireland squad a week!

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    Mute Ciaran
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    Oct 14th 2019, 11:01 PM

    Mick hasn’t a scooby.First Connolly isn’t good enough to get in the squad,then after the Spurs game he’s drafted in late,then after a 7 minute cameo against Georgia he’s deemed good enough to actually start. I don’t Mick has ever bothered to watch him play.Shoddy.

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    Mute postmanbill
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    Oct 15th 2019, 3:20 AM

    It’s playing for a draw time again.

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    Mute Burt CrackerJack
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    Oct 15th 2019, 12:16 AM

    Do you ever notice an Ireland player always wins “Man of the Match” no matter how crap Ireland play?

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    Mute Philip Farrell
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    Oct 15th 2019, 12:45 AM

    @Burt CrackerJack: they gave it to John O’Shea after Germany beat us 1-6.

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    Mute Burt CrackerJack
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    Oct 15th 2019, 1:04 AM

    @Philip Farrell: Haha says it all!

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    Mute Paul Dooley
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    Oct 15th 2019, 1:06 AM

    Perfect team
    Just might add Andy Moran for a bit of luck

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    Mute Bennett28
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    Oct 15th 2019, 3:33 AM

    Has to be a better option than whelan

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    Mute TM B
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    Oct 14th 2019, 9:06 PM

    Oh no whelan

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    Mute Desmond Lyons
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    Oct 15th 2019, 4:51 AM

    Who cares?

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    Mute Declan Edward
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    Oct 15th 2019, 6:05 PM

    Bynre/ Cullen won’t be played due to the inexperience of minutes for the national team, yet they won’t get the experience without being played. Surely, the game against Georgia would have been hugely beneficial to them both, and allowing for that, the game was crying out for them!

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    Mute Johnny Comelately
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    Oct 15th 2019, 7:22 AM

    Bring back paddy mulligan!!!

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    Mute Mick Rooney (TIPM)
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    Oct 15th 2019, 12:04 AM

    The O’Dowda selection is completely baffling! The guy has barely played a handful of matches for Bristol over the past year. He hasn’t even featured in any of the qualifiers, even a couple when he was on the bench he wasn’t one of the used subs. He started in the Bulgaria friendly and wasn’t up to much in that. I’m not sure what the author of this piece was thinking. I can only assume this is the team the writer advocates rather than remotely resembling the likely team. I get the increasing anybody-but-McClean sentiment flying around in recent matches, but Mick Byrne’s magic sponge has more chance starting! If O’Dowda was in McCarthy’s thoughts for these two matches, then I’m pretty sure he would have sent him on when he substituted Robinson during the Georgia match.

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    Mute Thomas Devlin
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    Oct 14th 2019, 11:14 PM

    Listen out if the players that McCarthy picks are playing crap its down to the manager no one else if a player cant pass or tackle its not his fault its the managers fault for picking him Whelan was binned by one of the worse managers we ever had (O’neill) but McCarthy in his “wisdom” decided to resurrect him.to try to convince people that an over the hill player who wasn’t very good in his prime is the only option at central midfield is bordering on the insane also Hendrick and Houerihan would struggle to get on the Gibraltar panel if McCarthy thinks that there’s nothing better out there then he should walk away from his vastly overpaid position and if we have to be beaten lets at least do it with pride and dignity and not as the pariahs of world football

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    Mute Mick Rooney (TIPM)
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    Oct 15th 2019, 12:14 AM

    @Thomas Devlin: Okay. Fair enough. But remember who O’Neill deployed in midfield when he ‘binned’ Whelan? Yup, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Cyrus Christie!

    So you don’t want Hourihane, Hendrick or Whelan. Away you go…. name your three midfielders available in the squad for this game.

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    Oct 14th 2019, 6:42 PM

    I agree with back 4… think Whelan would be best coming on for last 30mins when the legs are a bit tired.. I’d start Cullen there and also think Byrne ahead of Henderick.. if dropping McClean that’s where I’d play Connolly and Robinson has done nothing in the last two games so O’Dowda should start there…strangely I would actually start Hogan up front..He is the biggest lad we have and still mobile..

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    Mute Michael Keary
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    Oct 15th 2019, 10:44 AM

    Perfectly reasonable team selection. I think McCarthy is rather stubborn, which is why he’ll avoid making changes, except Stephens. But I suspect that most people who’ve played at a senior professional level would argue for at least these alterations, if not more.

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