SHANE LONG’S LATE, late goal against Poland salvaged Ireland’s European qualifying campaign from the doldrums of despair.
But now with the Poland, Germany and Scotland ahead of us in the group, the home tie against the Scots is a must-win game. With that in mind, here are five players who will need to prove themselves worthy of selection come the date with Scottish destiny in June.
Having somehow dislodged David Forde from the number one jersey for the game against Poland, Given now must prove he’s worthy of keeping the shirt. Aston Villa are unlikely to give him the nod for any of the remaining eight games. So he, above anyone else in the Villa team must be hoping their FA Cup run continues. That competition has seen him notch up four appearances, and a semi-final clash with Blackburn Rovers or Liverpool will might give the shot-stopper a chance to show that it wasn’t past glories that made O’Neill restore him to the starting team.
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Forde had played the previous four qualifiers and he too, will be looking to prove his worth as Millwall look to avoid relegation.
Having been sprung from the bench and snatched a draw with his injury-time goal, Long will hope to carry that form back to Southampton. Tottenham and Manchester City are the big fixtures remaining but merely featuring in most of the Saints’ remaining fixtures should see him get a leading role. His pace is likely to be needed against the Scots and he can show a lot more than his cameo against Poland allowed.
3. Jeff Hendrick
Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
Having replaced Glenn Whelan after 53 minutes against Germany, the Derby County midfielder saw his star rise as he gained a start against Scotland. But injury halted his progress and a chance of playing a part against Poland. Steve McClaren gave the 23-year-old the all clear and should he help Derby to a promotion push, it could see him dislodge Whelan from the starting eleven. Hendrick hasn’t put a foot wrong and with him set to be a permanent fixture in the Ireland set up, there is no time like the present to give him more responsibility.
The Everton winger lacked any creative spark after his chipped effort missed the target. After what has been a disappointing first season back in the UK for McGeady, he will look to the final games of the season as a chance to prove his worth. After James McClean looked livelier after his introduction it should be a case that the Derry speedster will start on the wing unless McGeady steps up for Everton. After curling a free kick brilliantly off the post on the opening day of the season for Everton, he’s largely been disappointing.
The Hull City winger didn’t have his greatest game at full-back against Poland and will hope to get a run of form together back at his club. His set-pieces were below par with most hitting the first man against Poland. With Stephen Ward as back up, it is really his to lose, but one would hope he would rise to the challenge. If things go his way at Hull, he may even be given a chance at left midfield, where he could be more effective.
Back to business: 5 Irish players with points to prove between now and the Scotland game
SHANE LONG’S LATE, late goal against Poland salvaged Ireland’s European qualifying campaign from the doldrums of despair.
But now with the Poland, Germany and Scotland ahead of us in the group, the home tie against the Scots is a must-win game. With that in mind, here are five players who will need to prove themselves worthy of selection come the date with Scottish destiny in June.
1 Shay Given/David Forde
Having somehow dislodged David Forde from the number one jersey for the game against Poland, Given now must prove he’s worthy of keeping the shirt. Aston Villa are unlikely to give him the nod for any of the remaining eight games. So he, above anyone else in the Villa team must be hoping their FA Cup run continues. That competition has seen him notch up four appearances, and a semi-final clash with Blackburn Rovers or Liverpool will might give the shot-stopper a chance to show that it wasn’t past glories that made O’Neill restore him to the starting team.
Forde had played the previous four qualifiers and he too, will be looking to prove his worth as Millwall look to avoid relegation.
2. Shane Long
Having been sprung from the bench and snatched a draw with his injury-time goal, Long will hope to carry that form back to Southampton. Tottenham and Manchester City are the big fixtures remaining but merely featuring in most of the Saints’ remaining fixtures should see him get a leading role. His pace is likely to be needed against the Scots and he can show a lot more than his cameo against Poland allowed.
3. Jeff Hendrick
Having replaced Glenn Whelan after 53 minutes against Germany, the Derby County midfielder saw his star rise as he gained a start against Scotland. But injury halted his progress and a chance of playing a part against Poland. Steve McClaren gave the 23-year-old the all clear and should he help Derby to a promotion push, it could see him dislodge Whelan from the starting eleven. Hendrick hasn’t put a foot wrong and with him set to be a permanent fixture in the Ireland set up, there is no time like the present to give him more responsibility.
4. Aiden McGeady
The Everton winger lacked any creative spark after his chipped effort missed the target. After what has been a disappointing first season back in the UK for McGeady, he will look to the final games of the season as a chance to prove his worth. After James McClean looked livelier after his introduction it should be a case that the Derry speedster will start on the wing unless McGeady steps up for Everton. After curling a free kick brilliantly off the post on the opening day of the season for Everton, he’s largely been disappointing.
5. Robbie Brady
The Hull City winger didn’t have his greatest game at full-back against Poland and will hope to get a run of form together back at his club. His set-pieces were below par with most hitting the first man against Poland. With Stephen Ward as back up, it is really his to lose, but one would hope he would rise to the challenge. If things go his way at Hull, he may even be given a chance at left midfield, where he could be more effective.
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