Updated at 20.43
Jeff Hendrick v Darron Gibson
BOTH HENDRICK AND Gibson came on and impressed against Germany, and both could ultimately end up starting should others be unavailable.
But assuming at least one of James McCarthy or Glenn Whelan is deemed fit enough to play and Stephen Quinn is retained in midfield as expected, then O’Neill likely will be forced to pick between Gibson and Hendrick for the final midfield berth.
The last time Gibson was snubbed in favour of a Championship midfielder (Paul Green at the 2012 Euros), he didn’t exactly react well, ostracising himself from the squad, so the pressure will be on O’Neill to pick his fellow Derry native.
Hendrick, like Gibson, has missed a large chunk of the season owing to injury, but has impressed since his return, scoring a brace in Derby’s 5-0 defeat of Wolves last weekend.
Gibson, meanwhile, has yet to start a league match for Everton this season as he continues to recuperate from a long-term injury, though the ex-Man United player could be set for a run of games with the Toffees, as Gareth Barry has just been sidelined with what looks like a bad injury.
If O’Neill selects on form therefore, Hendrick will get the nod, but Gibson’s experience at a higher level and improving fitness levels could yet earn him a place in the side.
Shane Long v Robbie Keane
A common debate among Ireland fans — do you opt for Keane’s greater goal threat or Long’s pace and physicality?
For LA Galaxy, Keane has had an excellent season, with some tipping him for the much-sough-after MVP award, while Long has had a rocky start to life at Southampton since his £12million move there.
Nevertheless, O’Neill will have no doubt taken heed of Long’s match-winning two goals in his recent substitute appearance for high-flying Southampton, with manager Ronald Koeman singling out the Tipperary native for praise after the game.
So far, O’Neill has stood by the more experienced Keane and ignored Long in his selections for competitive matches, but the confidence boost that those much-needed goals will have afforded the 27-year-old will give O’Neill scope for contemplation, as will Keane’s relatively ineffectual displays in the games against Germany and Georgia.
James McClean v Jonathan Walters
(James McClean impressed against Germany recently)
Walters has featured from the start against both Georgia and Germany, while McClean came into the team for the latter match.
Assuming the experiment of playing Aiden McGeady behind the striker is abandoned given that it was relatively unsuccessful against the Germans, then the likelihood is that one of McClean or Walters will have to be content with a place on the bench.
Moreover, both these players have had somewhat underwhelming campaigns for their clubs.
McClean has started just five of Wigan’s 17 league games, and seldom lasts the full 90 minutes on the rare occasions when Uwe Rosler does place faith in him.
Meanwhile, the outlook is slightly better for Walters, who has started seven of Stoke’s 11 league games and managed four goals.
Yet irrespective of his indifferent form at club level, McClean’s excellent performance in Germany may give him the edge, though Walters’ goal threat and experience will also be taken into consideration.
Richard Keogh v Alex Pearce
With regular centre-back Marc Wilson ruled out through injury, a place alongside John O’Shea is up for grabs at the back.
Richard Keogh appears the favourite to line out against the Scots. The 28-year-old is in good form, featuring in all 17 of Derby’s league matches so far this season, with the team currently top of the Championship following an excellent run.
Alex Pearce, similarly, is performing well, having played every minute of Reading’s Championship campaign, with the side currently in 14th place.
Keogh arguably has a bigger reputation, but Pearce did start last May in Ireland’s impressive 0-0 draw with Italy at Craven Cottage, and O’Neill is not averse to springing surprises, so the 26-year-old could well be given the nod.
