IRELAND HAVE LANDED in Chisinau, where three points are a must when they face Moldova tomorrow night.
The Boys in Green got the job done in midweek with a nervy 1-0 win over Georgia despite being outplayed by the visitors at times, but the result came at a cost.
With Harry Arter already ruled out with a groin injury, Martin O’Neill now has to make do without fellow midfielders Jeff Hendrick and Robbie Brady.
Burnley’s record signing Hendrick picked up a second yellow card of the campaign meaning he is suspended, while Norwich City man Brady hasn’t travelled after suffering a concussion at the Aviva Stadium.
James McCarthy played 90 minutes against the Georgians but looked well off the pace, which is understandable as it was his first competitive action since 23 August.
The smart move would be to bring Glenn Whelan in for McCarthy in the holding midfield role, while Stephen Quinn looks the best option to replace Hendrick.
Quinn came on in the second half of last month’s meeting with Serbia and played excellently as Ireland scored late on to claim a point.
Recalling Wes Hoolahan would also add much-needed creativity in behind Shane Long, who is crying out for better service. Southampton striker Long, who is expected to be fit despite taking a knock on Thursday, hasn’t scored for club or country since 27 May, but this could be the ideal opportunity for him to end that drought.
Here’s how we’d like to see Ireland line out:
What do you think of the team? Who would you play?
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
