THERE’LL BE NO RTÉ panel to analyse Ireland’s game with England at Wembley tomorrow night.
But you will have ‘two good Cork lads’ — and former Ireland stars — to bring some context to the much-anticipated international friendly, according to Denis Irwin.
The former Manchester United defender will be part of Setanta’s coverage of the game against Roy Hodgson’s side in London. And Irwin’s new gig with the cable station puts him up against his old club and international team-mate, Roy Keane. The Mayfield man will take his place — as usual — on the ITV panel under Wembley’s arch.
“I do enjoy it,” Irwin told TheScore.ie when asked about his TV committments yesterday. “I do a lot of TV over with MUTV and that, but it’s nice.
“It’s a big game, Ireland and England will always s be a big game and obviously it’s their celebration year and that. I think it’s a good game for Ireland as well; for me too many of the players have had too long of a rest. The Championship ended the end of April, start of May so they’ve had the best part of three or four weeks off, so they’ll need a couple of games to get them up to standard. We have to beat Faroe Islands to keep it going.
“It’s not an ideal time for a footballer to play a game. Once the season finishes at club level you more or less want to get off and go on holidays. I don’t think it’s an ideal time but this game is important and the game against Georgia as well to make sure the preparation is right for the Faroe Islands game.”
Setanta Ireland’s live coverage of England v Rep. of Ireland begins at 7pm. Denis Irwin will be joined in studio by Brian Kerr and Stephen Hunt. Dave McIntyre will be joined by Gary Breen on commentary. To subscribe to Setanta for half price call 0818 20 30 40 or visit www.setanta.com
