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Seamus Coleman training with the team last night. Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Should Coleman be captain and key questions ahead of Ireland's World Cup qualifier

The Boys in Green are in Belgrade to take on Serbia tonight.

Ben Blake reports from Belgrade

1. Can Ireland get off to a good start? 

IT’S TIME TO start all over again, as Martin O’Neill alluded to in yesterday’s pre-match media briefing.

72 days after their last competitive outing, a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Euro 2016 hosts France in Lyon, Ireland are back in the hunt for a spot at the next major tournament — the 2018 World Cup in Russia — beginning away to Serbia tonight (7.45pm Irish time).

Victory in Belgrade is not essential but it’s important that this team, which hasn’t really changed barring the retirements of Robbie Keane and Shay Given, builds on the progress made over the summer by putting in an encouraging display and avoiding defeat.

Next up for the Boys in Green after are qualifiers with Georgia (home), Moldova (away), and Austria (away) and they mustn’t lose early ground in what will undoubtedly be a closely-contested Group D.

2. Will defensive pair be fit enough to play?

With the injured James McCarthy definitely ruled out, John O’Shea and Seamus Coleman have been the biggest fitness worries over the past week.

Everton full-back Coleman has yet to feature at club level this season having picked up an ankle problem just before the Premier League season got underway, while O’Shea missed Sunderland’s last league match due to an issue with his hip.

However, both players have trained the past three days and come through unscathed according to the Irish management. In his pre-match press conference, O’Neill declared that the pair are “fine” when asked if they would be available for selection.

If Coleman doesn’t make it, Derby County’s Cyrus Christie looks set to get the nod, while Richard Keogh and Ciaran Clark would be the likely centre-half partnership in the absence of O’Shea.

3. Who will be the new captain?

Robbie Keane’s retirement from international duty has left the Ireland boss with a decision to make over who he would like to see wearing the armband on a regular basis.

Keane was no longer a first team regular meaning O’Shea often skippered the side in his absence, but Coleman did a fine job as a stand-in during the latter games at Euro 2016 and Jon Walters is another leader worth considering.

Always one to leave his announcements to the last possible moment, O’Neill was reluctant to reveal the identity of his captain on Sunday evening.

Although Coleman is favourite, the selection, for this game at least, may depend on whether the Everton defender starts this evening.

4. How good is this Serbia side?

There are mixed feelings about tonight’s opponents, who have been through some tough times over the last couple of years. There is no doubting the fact that they have talent at their disposal but this group of players have underachieved so far.

Slavoljub Muslin Slavoljub Muslin with his management team. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

Wily coach Slavoljub Muslin has been tasked with getting the best out of the older, experienced players while blooding in the U20 World Cup winning side.

Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic is skipper, but they are missing two key players as his club mate Nemanja Matic and Manchester City’s Aleksandar Kolarov are out through suspension.

Belgrade’s Red Star Stadium is far from a sell-out tonight and it will be interesting to see if the home crowd begins to turns on the team and vents its frustrations if Ireland can keep them at bay and possibly even nick a goal or two.

5. Why has O’Neill still not signed his contract?

The two-and-a-half year deal that O’Neill and his backroom staff signed in November 2013 expired over the summer, yet we are in an odd situation where they haven’t officially renewed their contracts.

The FAI announced just before Euro 2016 that there was a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in place with O’Neill, but three months on and the issue continues to drag on.

Reports over the past few weeks have suggested he could be wanted by Hull City, but Derryman has always played things down, and asked about it last night said:

I don’t think there are any real particular issues. I think it’s just a matter of getting round to it.”

Whatever the reason behind it, the whole thing is an unnecessary distraction that should be put to bed once and for all.

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15 Comments
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    Mute Ron Burgundy
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    Nov 29th 2015, 9:04 PM

    I wouldn’t be getting too excited about a win over Eibar, even with a front six of Kroos, Modric, Rodriguez, Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo they are still a long way behind Barcelona in terms of quality and class. They were annihilated by Barca, all over the field.
    They way their ‘fans’ treat their players at times is nothing short of embarrassing. Keylor Navas is a top keeper though, wouldn’t have been too disappointed in hindsight if he had gone to United.

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    Mute TommyRyder
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    Nov 29th 2015, 10:54 PM

    Great game of football.
    Two excellent teams playing the game the way it should be played. Honesty, integrity, courage, passion and commitment. (no theoretical formulas from the manual here – this was the real deal)
    Eibar are a strong determined outfit who make it extremely difficult for any visiting team. Disciplined, organised and efficient. No one leaves here with an easy three points, that’s for sure.
    Real took the game to the hosts, played some beautiful intricate passing movements at times, ran the midfield and dominated for much of the afternoon.
    Yet.
    Yet, the game was still in the balance until the closing moments when Real were awarded a penalty for an absolutely shocking challenge by Garcia on Vazquez in the box. One of the most blatant penalties I’ve ever seen actually.
    But it still had to be converted (and that’s no easy matter – just ask Neymar and Messi who is a repeat offender in the art of missed pennos)
    Penalties require courage and poise, above all …..courage.
    Who took on the mantle of responsibility at such a vital juncture in such a crucial game at such a pivotal moment in the season?
    Step Forward Cristiano Ronaldo. Absolutely fearless (as usual)
    This kid has it all. That’s why Cristiano is back to back Balon d’OR winner. A jury of his peers decided that he is the greatest player on the planet bar none.
    And quite rightly so. I fully agree with them.
    More skill in his left toe than most other players on the planet. More fire in his belly than any cage fighter. More courage than a lion.
    Up he stepped and coolly slotted this vital goal home. We all breathed a huge sigh of relief.
    Thankfully Real are over that little slump in form which unfortunately coincided with the Classico and now look like they will press on in pursuit of another league title. Barcelona fans will have been casting nervous glances at the scoreboard all afternoon and now their biggest fears have been realized.
    The Real attack is back on track.
    Flying high in the Champion’s League also, the competition they have made their own, this will be another exciting season for fans of this great club.
    And with the world’s best player leading the front line it’s not difficult to envisage Real Madrid having another gloriously successful season in the tradition of many many others before.
    Bravo lads.
    That’s all I can say.

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    Mute TommyRyder
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    Nov 29th 2015, 10:56 PM

    ps
    Fantastic photo of Cristiano and Gareth celebrating together.
    These two guys have really bonded lately.
    Such a joyous moment.
    Fantastic for Real.
    Wonderful for football.

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    Mute Andrew Martin Farrell
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    Nov 29th 2015, 11:37 PM

    Be honest!! Who read all of this? Every word??

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    Mute Fergal Kavanagh
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    Nov 30th 2015, 12:31 AM

    Vamos Atleti.

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    Mute Dave O Keeffe
    Favourite Dave O Keeffe
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    Nov 30th 2015, 1:25 AM

    Oh right they’re 3rd

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