Ben Blake reports from Versailles
WE’RE FINALLY ON the eve of Ireland’s debut at Euro 2016 and things could be looking a lot worse for Martin O’Neill.
All 23 players of his squad trained yesterday, meaning he could possibly have a full pack to choose from by tomorrow evening.
While James McCarthy, Robbie Keane and Robbie Brady are all back in contention, Jon Walters remains the one major worry. But if the Stoke City man comes through a second successive session when they head to the Stade de France later, he could potentially be in line for a start.
The Ireland boss would love nothing more than to kick off the finals with a win that would go some way to seeing this side through to the knockout stages, but the pragmatic Derryman will want to avoid defeat to Erik Hamren’s men, first and foremost.
A number of slots in his starting XI appear to be nailed on at this point. For instance, it would be a shock if Darren Randolph wasn’t named in goal, while Seamus Coleman’s place at right full-back is pretty much assured.
If fit, James McCarthy will play with Glenn Whelan in midfield regardless of what system O’Neill goes for, and in-form striker Shane Long looks set to lead the line up front.
So where are the positions still up for debate?
The situation at centre-half is an interesting one. John O’Shea remains our most experienced defender and you would expect him to feature, but a case could be made for both Ciaran Clark and Richard Keogh, who were solid as a partnership in the play-off ties against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Then there is Shane Duffy. The 24-year-old Blackburn Rovers man seized his opportunity with two appearances in two friendlies and made a late surge for a spot in the squad. Duffy’s height from set-pieces is a valuable asset at both ends of the pitch, and he has been paired with O’Shea in training matches this week.
At left-back, the decision is whether to go with Robbie Brady or play Stephen Ward and use Norwich City’s Brady in midfield.
Ireland have lined out in either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield in qualifying, and you can expect one or the other in Paris tomorrow.
If Walters is deemed fully fit, he is a definite starter and James McClean could be favoured over the likes of Jeff Hendrick and Aiden McGeady, who have both looked rusty in recent matches due to their lack of game-time.
Wes Hoolahan’s best position is in behind the striker and it would be crazy not to utilise his creativity from the off. Similarly, Long is in the form of his life these past six month and has earned place in the team.
O’Neill may feel the Southampton star would benefit from having a partner, but with the current options, he needs to pick him as a lone frontman.
Ben Blake’s starting XI v Sweden:
What starting line-up would you pick for Monday’s game?
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