- Paul Fennessy reports from Lyon
1. John O’Shea
At 35, the defender has played over 100 times for his country amid a distinguished career. After appearing off the bench in yesterday’s defeat to France, O’Shea may now feel the time is right to step aside and let younger centre-backs take over.
2. Shay Given
Given is now 40 years old, hence it would actually be a surprise if he didn’t retire after the Euros. One of just four Ireland squad members to see no game time in France, he nonetheless played a part in the qualification campaign and will probably be remembered as the Boys in Green’s best-ever goalkeeper, after being brought to three major tournaments over the course of a lengthy career.
3. Wes Hoolahan
The prospect of Hoolahan retiring seems strange on one level. The Norwich man has just 33 caps at the age of 34, but surely deserved more given his unparalleled technical ability in the side. Nevertheless, should he choose to retire, he can at least be satisfied that he finished his international career with a flourish, scoring a beautifully taken goal against Sweden, while also setting up Robbie Brady’s winner against Italy in exquisite fashion with a superb cross into the box.
4. Glenn Whelan
Still only 32, Whelan has managed an impressive 72 caps for Ireland and has now competed in two European Championships in a row. He will always be the template of a player who managed to achieve so much in the game through immense hard work despite a lack of technical ability and for that he deserves tremendous credit. Having lost his place in the side for the last two matches, though, Whelan may decide another campaign would be a step too far.
5. Robbie Keane
Will surely be looked back on as Ireland’s best-ever striker, Keane may have only played a peripheral role at these Euros but his legacy is still secure. One of the top international goalscorers of all time, with 67 goals in 144 appearances, it seems unlikely that he will stick around for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with the LA Galaxy striker set to turn 36 next month.
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