A COMBINED FOUR Republic of Ireland internationals have been named to start as Burnley host Sheffield United in the Premier League at Turf Moor at midday [Sky Sports].
The Blades have named an unchanged starting XI after Thursday’s win over Spurs, meaning John Egan, Enda Stevens, and David McGoldrick all start again for Chris Wilder’s side.
Sheffield United – have welcomed key man Jack O’Connell back onto the bench – will start the game in eighth position in the league but Burnley are only two points behind them in 10th.
Sean Dyche’s Burnley XI includes Kevin Long in defence, while fellow Ireland international Robbie Brady is on the bench alongside U21 cap Jimmy Dunne.
Dyche confirmed that Jack Cork and Ben Mee both miss out for Burnley – whose last result was a 1-0 win away to Crystal Palace on Monday – through injury.
Good to have a nice irish contingent playing. Would love to see mcgoldrick bag one
great to see long getting a game hopefully he can get a run of games under his belt
Kevin Long needs games, not first choice at Burnley, Championship move might be good idea…..himself and Egan at centre half for Ireland could work,but needs to be playing regularly, anyone agree?
@running man: He must be happy enough as a Burnley sub. He’s been on their bench for about 10 years
@running man: I think Shane Duffy/ Kevin Long are not technical enough to play in the middle of a three so I would look at Egan in the centre of a fit again Clarke with Coleman on the right…Ancelotti tried him there a couple of times, was ok, but he’s intelligent enough to make it work. Getting Stevens and Doherty into their best positions is vital and a ball playing centre back dictating things to cover a weak midfield.
@diarmuid mccarthy: I think Long actually is quiet good on the ball whenever ive seen him anyway to he honest. I would like to see a back 3 though, but it would have to include duffy. He is our best defender. Have to be careful about not getting too caught up on ball players, having our best defender on the field is equally important.
@diarmuid mccarthy: Stevens, Coleman, Egan, Duffy or Long as our back 4. Or maybe Doherty for Coleman, can’t make up my mind….