JOHN O’SHEA HAS come to the defence of the Republic of Ireland players after they came in for criticism following back-to-back defeats in the Nations League last month.
The assistant head coach was speaking alongside striker Evan Ferguson as they prepare for a double header of away games with Finland and Greece this week.
After losing 2-0 to England in the League B opener, Greece then came to Aviva Stadium and won by the same scoreline. Former international Glenn Whelan, who was also a coach for two camps while O’Shea was in interim charge earlier this year, suggested it didn’t hurt some Ireland players enough when they lost games.
Matt Doherty was a high-profile omission from the latest squad and, when asked about the lack of depth in midfield compared to defence, O’Shea took the opportunity to throw his support behind those called up.
“We need to get away from almost that negative aspect of positions in the team and the squad, and players. The dedication and the sacrifice that every player, and the levels these players are playing at, is sometimes forgotten about,” he said.
“They are really good players, playing at a really good level, and I think it’s a bit of, not a nonsense but we are too derogatory towards these players, they are really good players playing at a really good level.
“They are showing dedication, they want to come and play for Ireland, we should be getting behind them a bit more.”
O’Shea explained that manager Heimir Hallgrímsson spoke to the players this morning about how the games with Finland and Greece provide “chances to see some newer faces, try some newer lads in positions.”
He insisted that Doherty is “definitely still in the plans” and wants to see “a positive reaction” to ensure competition is strong to make it into each squad.
Hallgrímsson has made seven changes to the initial panel that was named last month and was up front about wanting to see as many players in action before the World Cup qualifying campaign next year.
“We are fully focused on getting good results against Finland and Greece. You could say it is brave but it is [for] the development of the group. We need to get a competitive, settled squad. But also, there is an option there to take it, can you take it?” O’Shea said.
“The balance needs to be struck over the next couple of games in particular. But then, when you see the [World Cup] draw, we know we have a healthy squad that is very competitive in the qualifying.
“There is still an emphasis on winning games, too, but also trying a bit of new combinations, new understandings, and getting that in as quickly as possible because next year you mightn’t be able to do that. Obviously injuries and suspensions happen so lads have to be tested, lads have to be seen at the level and hopefully respond to it.”
Luton Town centre back Mark McGuinness was somewhat of a surprise inclusion in place of Everton’s Jake O’Brien.
O’Shea worked with the former Arsenal youth team player with Ireland U21s and hailed his development since overcoming injury with Cardiff City last season and earning a move to Luton.
“He’s been one that we’ve had an idea about for a long time in terms of his progression. We know the centre half area we have quality competition there. I think he will probably keep progressing, I think he’s that kind of character.
“He wants to get himself back into the Premier League, he was desperate to get involved with the Irish national team as well. It’s a case of not only his defensive capabilities, he’s a set piece threat and obviously composure and passing ability as well. Total package.”
Evan Ferguson, meanwhile, says he “feels good” since returning to training with Brighton and is hopeful of earning his first competitive start for Ireland since November.
Ankle surgery earlier this year curtailed his Premier League season and he has had a change of club manager with Roberto De Zerbi being replaced by Fabian Hürzeler.
“He’s not really set challenges, in a way. He’s just been talking to me, on what I can do, what needs to be done in his eyes to get playing, what he wants in his system, he’s not really set any goals, just to come back and play as I can,” Ferguson said.
The FAI also confirmed that Callum O’Dowda has withdrawn from the squad due to an injury suffered with Bristol City yesterday. No replacement will be drafted in and Ireland will travel with 23 players for this week’s games.
They were right to not call up a few hangers-on who’ve done nothing in an Irish jersey for years. A central midfield of Taylor and Cullen might give us the kind of legs in midfield we’ve been sorely lacking for years.
For sure… there is a deal of critism towards current crop of players, and managers should protect them. But its more utter disappointment, and frustration. I’ve watched every Ireland game for decades. They’re professionals playing at top clubs, and they’ve earned our frustrations. We’ve lost to Luxemburg. I watched us draw to New Zealand in the Aviva, and we were without purpose going forward. On paper, would you select Scotland’s squad over Ireland? We’ve been utterly outplayed by Greece 3 times in the last couple of yrs. I’ve seen greater passion, organization, and identity from my kids under-aged teams that this group. Against england we looked like kids playing men. With respect — and I follow every irish player — but they’re earned the fans disappointment. You don’t get kudos and respect for coming and simply playing. If you don’t want to play, withdrawn from the international team.
@Derek Creevey: Scotland on paper have better players than us, not world beaters by any means but we have nobody like Robertson, Pinnock, mctominy, Mcguinn, gilmour.
Agreed that we should be doing better. Whelan was giving an opinion based on what he’d seen I think. Pretty damning for the players.
Why is John Oshea doing press conferences again?
Players don’t try to under perform and while we are not overflowing with household names, perhaps some of the criticism is directed towards the management and coaching staff, we seemed lost in the games so far. Take a bit of responsibility John, and get structure for the team
@James Cronin: we are going backwards
@Alan Moloney: that’s just a reflection on the quality of players in this country. In the past we replied on English born players to bolster the squad and now we don’t really have that anymore.
@Alan Moloney: unfortunately we look like we are well back
@James Cronin: and the FAI €40M in the red were did this all go wrong
This is just our standard these days at the rate we are going we could be minnows of football soon
@Leighton Cullen: Yes that’s how far we have gone back will hit them all hard in the pocket
If the FAI had made an appointment months earlier the Manager wouldn’t have to use competitive matches to look at new players. Hard to believe Tom Cannon can’t make even the under 21 squad !!!
The importation of foreign players in the English Premier League and even at the championship level has had a knockback effect on the international teams in the home nations and Ireland. Whereas we had a team of then First division stars then interspersed with a couple from the lower divisions its the opposite now. They have their talents, but the problem lies with the management team and their game plans. The Kenny era lives on via o Shea and Co. Systems must be changed to suit the players at our disposal!!!
Agreed with JOS. We have decent players, problem is they are playing below the sum of their parts.