MATT DOHERTY AND Enda Stevens have been withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for tomorrow’s friendly with Qatar in Debrecen, Hungary.
The squad landed in Hungary last night but did so without the starting wing-backs from their previous two games. Doherty was taken off at half-time of Saturday’s defeat to Luxembourg with an injury, while Stevens was assessed after the game and it was decided he would not travel.
Qatar have been added to Ireland’s five-team World Cup qualifying group to play a series of friendly matches against the Group A side otherwise facing a fallow matchday. The games have been arranged to help Qatar prepare for the 2022 World Cup, for which they have qualified automatically as hosts.
They have won both of their friendly games to date, a 2-1 win against Azerbaijan following a 1-0 win against Luxembourg.
Republic of Ireland Squad – Qatar Friendly
Goalkeepers: Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Gavin Bazunu (Rochdale, on loan from Manchester City), Kieran O’Hara (Burton Albion).
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Shane Duffy (Celtic, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Dara O’Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), Cyrus Christie (Nottingham Forest), Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers).
Midfielders: Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Jayson Molumby (Preston North End, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Jason Knight (Derby County), Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Conor Coventry (West Ham United).
Wingers: Robbie Brady (Burnley), James McClean (Stoke City), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth).
Strikers: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Shane Long (AFC Bournemouth, on loan from Southampton), James Collins (Luton Town), Troy Parrott (Ipswich Town, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur).
Great news, neither could care less
@Stanley: Any word of a call up for Greg Cunningham? Decent left back and back playing again now after an injury. Can’t be worse than anything else we’ve tried.
Any wonder we struggle at this level when you see all those players and the clubs they’re at. We no longer have players at top clubs, even our premier league players are of championship standard except for Coleman and maybe another 1 or 2. Until we get a goalscorer who we can be confident of at least a goal every 2 games, then we have to accept performances like Saturday night. The manager is not the issue, the squad just isnt good enough.
@Declan Snow: no offense to the lad but when your number 9 is a 34 year who plays for Luton that says it all really, shocking lack of quality these days.
@Jack Torrance: he’s 30
@Jack Torrance: he’s 30 but yeah he can barely even get a game for Luton
Our passing accuracy should improve now. Give Lee O’Connor another run at it
Tbf Matt Doherty has been a huge disappointment. Don’t know what is going on with him, but he’s gone backwards. Enda Stevens is half decent and always seems to have a go. Wouldn’t knock him
@Cathal Keeshan: Both were have really good seasons last year compared to this season
@Cathal Keeshan: I saw a couple of interviews where he criticized the Irish set up while at Wolves. Seemed to have a very high opinion of himself.
@Michéal Ó Tuama: Well if that’s the case it’s a pity. The playing career is a short one.
@Cathal Keeshan: the fella was in prem team of the season, went to spurs, got Jose d, and is a shadow of his former self. Needs gametime
@ConPhoto: Trent Alexander Arnold was right back on team of the year for last two seasons.
Wouldn’t have had either of them starting. Back to a flat 4. Give Ryan manning a chance
@Declan O’Leary: hasn’t kicked on this season and has been mainly a sub
Lucky them
A few new run outs to be expected . This panel of players are what Steven has to work with , managers make decisions and calls , players have to give it their all. He has to get the best from these players and he needs time , he also needs as more so the players need , the backing of supporters and media to try and achieve this .