EX-IRELAND INTERNATIONAL Jason McAteer is predicting a bright future for the Irish national team thanks to the recent emergence of several players.
After the disappointment of Euro 2012 and the uninspiring way in which Giovanni Trapattoni’s team started the current World Cup qualifying campaign, the former Bolton, Liverpool, Blackburn and Sunderland winger, who these days works as a pundit for LFCTV and Al Jazeera, wasn’t holding much hope for the current crop.
However, going into next month’s double-header against Sweden and Austria, McAteer can see genuine signs of development in Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad.
“If you had asked me a year ago about where Ireland was I would have said we were in a bit of turmoil,” says McAteer. “I didn’t see any progression or anything coming through. I saw a long hard three or four years ahead of us.
“Maybe the Euros did us a bit of favour and Giovanni (Trapattoni) had to listen to his critics a little bit. He has opened the door to players who maybe wouldn’t have got a look in – the likes of Wes (Hoolahan), (James) McCarthy, (Seamus) Coleman and (Shane) Long.
Now you’ve got to look at it and think these young players coming through are knitting well, you’d have to say that Ireland’s future at the minute looks quite rosey. There is a lot of quality in there. I think over the next couple of seasons you’ll see McCarthy move to a big club, Coleman will move and then you’ve got the likes of Long, who has been progressing.”
“I’d love to see (Darron) Gibson and McCarthy in the middle of the park. (James) McClean has got to grab his chance because he is running out of time. I was very impressed with Brady at Hull last season and would like to see him kick on.”
Richard Dunne also made his return to competitive football after 15 months on the sidelines and McAteer adds that it is important to have him around with the likes John O’Shea and Robbie Keane.
“It’s great to see Dunney back and JOS is still there. Robbie’s maybe not a starter now but it’s great to have him around and his experience is invaluable.
“You learn so much from the experienced players and Robbie needs to be around even if he’s not always playing. Youngsters can get a little bit lost.”
Carlsberg wants to bring Irish Premier League fans closer to the action with ‘Be There Next Weekend’, a competition that will reward committed fans with amazing experiences that only Carlsberg can deliver as Official Beer of the Premier League. Throughout the season, fans can win ultimate Carlsberg experience including VIP trips to Premier League games, presenting Man of the match, and many more amazing prizes. For more check out www.facebook.com/carlsbergfootball.
