Updated at 22.32
THE TALKING IS almost over as the biggest game of Martin O’Neill’s tenure approaches.
The squad have been in camp for nearly two weeks now with the England friendly offering us an insight into what the manager may be thinking ahead of the visit of Scotland.
Unlike his predecessor, O’Neill keeps his cards fairly close to his chest so we’ll all have to wait until Saturday evening to discover the XI he sends out but until then, here’s what our writers think the Ireland team will be.
Paul Fennessy
Westwood; Coleman, O’Shea, Wilson, Brady; Walters, Arter, McCarthy, McGeady; Hoolahan; Long.
The robust approach didn’t really work last November, so Ireland’s best chance of beating Scotland is surely by playing some possession football in midfield.
I’m not convinced Martin O’Neill is thinking along similar lines though, so expect more of an emphasis to be placed on physicality, as it was against England last week. The one big surprise that seems feasible is the inclusion of Daryl Murphy in the side. O’Neill, throughout his managerial career, has favoured a big man up top, and with Murphy enjoying career-best form at Ipswich, he may well be given the nod in attack amid an otherwise predictable enough starting lineup.
Ryan Bailey
Given; Coleman, O’Shea, Wilson, Brady; Walters, Whelan, McCarthy, McGeady; Hoolahan; Long.
Martin O’Neill’s team selection for the visit of England surprised many but I don’t think you can read too much into it ahead of the serious business this weekend. With Harry Arter’s absence through injury, there aren’t too many big decisions the Ireland manager will have to mull over.
As we saw in the last qualifier against Poland, O’Neill – just like his predecessor – likes to fill his side with hard-working, industrious players and Jon Walters being deployed on the wing is an example of that. The defence picks itself and it’s unlikely O’Neill will substitute the experience of Given between the sticks for Westwood, who started against England.
Robbie Keane is unlikely to be fit enough and Shane Long deserves his chance but Daryl Murphy may have done enough against The Three Lions to force his way into the reckoning.
Ben Blake
Given; Coleman, O’Shea, Wilson, Brady; McCarthy, Whelan; Walters, Hoolahan, McGeady; Long.
Keiren Westwood started in between the sticks for the 0-0 draw with England, but 39-year-old Shay Given is still the best goalkeeper Ireland possess. Three of the back four really pick themselves and, despite his mistake against Poland, I believe Robbie Brady has shown that he is the best option at left full-back. His deliveries from set-pieces will also be important.
In the reverse fixture last November, O’Neill opted to start with a 4-4-2 formation but Jeff Hendrick and Darron Gibson struggled to compete with the Scots in midfield. Neither James McCarthy nor Glenn Whelan were available that night and their inclusions as screens for the backline could prove pivotal.
On the wings, I’d go for Jon Walters for his physical presence, industry and tendency to cause opponents problems and Aiden McGeady as he has the ability to create a match-winning moment — even if he is frustratingly inconsistent. Wes Hoolahan will provide a creative spark in possession while also dropping back into middle when Scotland have the ball.
Shane Long deserves his place as the lone striker after his equaliser against the Poles. Then Robbie Keane can be sprung from the bench if needed and James McClean is a valuable impact sub to have too.
Patrick Ward
Given; Coleman, Wilson, O’Shea, Brady; McGeady, Whelan, McCarthy, McClean; Keane, Walters.
Given is the best option for Ireland in goals at the moment. Westwood had a fine season with Sheffield Wednesday but Given’s experience will be needed against Scotland.
In November, Ireland were exposed down both wings and over-run in central midfield but O’Neill will surely have his side better set up to deal with the threat of Andrew Robertson and Ikechi Anya this time around.
If Anya plays on the right, James McClean is the best option to help the defensively suspect Robbie Brady to curb his threat. James McCarthy and Glenn Whelan are welcome returnees to the side having missed the previous defeat.
Ireland traditionally play better with two up front and Walters and Keane are the best combination. It’s sad to still be relying on Keane but he’s our best goalscorer and Shane Long can provide the energy off the bench that we may require.
Neil Treacy
Westwood; Coleman, Wilson, O’Shea, Brady; McGeady, McCarthy, Whelan, McClean; Walters, Keane.
The heart says Wes Hoolohan should slot in behind the lone Shane Long, but the head says Walters and Keane will get the nod.
McCarthy, Whelan, McGeady and McClean are the expected four to play in midfield, and I can’t see any reason to break them up.
Similarly, the defence is a consistent selection, with Robbie Brady continuing at left back. It’s not ideal, given his lack of experience in the position, but Brady will offer a lot going forward, and is the best option on set-pieces.
Goalkeeper is the big call, but I think Westwood deserves his chance after consistently performing between the sticks for Sheffield Wednesday. Given may have the experience, but Westwood is more than up for the job on Saturday.
What do you think? Should O’Neill go with Keane or Long or both? Does Westwood deserve his chance?
Breen
Breen Breen Breen Breen
Breen Breen Breen Breen
Breen Breen
Aaaaaand number 1 is Gary Breen….
Westwood
Coleman O’Shea Wilson Brady
Hoolahan McCarthy McClean McGeady
McGoldrick Long
———————-
Subs:
Walters
Keane
Hendrick
How anyone would start Westwood ahead of Gary Breen in goals is beyond me…
Long
McClean Hoolahan. McGeady
Whelan. McCarthy
Brady. Wilson O’Shea Coleman
Given
I find it very odd that Forde isn’t being mentioned by anyone, he has done nothing wrong, in fact he’s been our best player and man of the match in a few games in the last campaign
is he injured or something?
Forde would never have played a minute only Westwood got injured. He was solid but unspectacular and it was only a matter of time before he lost his place. It is probably unfair on him but it’s nothing to do with fairness at this level. This isn’t u-10. The fact is both Given and Westwood are better keepers who are also in better club form and therefore should be ahead of him.
Forde has just had a mare of a season. I think it’s a close call between Givens experience and Westwoods form this season but I’d probably just favour Shay. and I’d go with the same 11 you picked Rory.
Few inaccuracies here – Forde first started competitively against Sweden – Westwood was fully fit and on bench but was having a mare at Sunderland at the time and at the time there was a feeling that trap still blamed him for the 6 going on against Germany (Westwood wasn’t for me at fault).
Forde was widely regarded as one of millwalls best players this season.
Being solid is all you want from a keeper!
Having said all of that – a confident Westwood should be in the team – it’s iust very harsh on forde
I knew the club form would be mentioned and that’s a load of boll*x: firstly milwall were absolutely rubbish last year and their defence had more holes than a colander, you couldn’t blame Forde and I wonder here how many saw actual millwall games? secondly club form doesn’t always translate to international, just look at Coleman and McCarthy who should be setting the world alight and have yet to really do it with an Irish jersey on, and look at the likes of Gary Breen who we all take the Mick out of of but was one of our stand out performers at 2002 world cup while without a club. fact of the matter is Given I thought shouldn’t have been beaten from that angle against the poles and I think is well past his best, Westwood has had a couple of nightmares in the green jersey while Forde has actually kept us in games with great saves and solid performances, it should be a meritocracy
Bonner
Hughton McGrath McCarthy Staunton
Houghton Whelan Townsend Sheedy
Aldridge Quinn
That’s one of the best line ups I’ve seen without Gary Breen starting but I can’t help but guess, 47 and that’s a conservative guess at your age my man???
Westwood
Coleman oshea Wilson Brady
Walters whelan mccarthy mcgeady
Hoolahan
Long
How anyone can argue that given should start ahead of Westwood needs their head tested, given is a sub goal keeper, way past his best. Westwood had an unbelievable season with Sheffield Wednesday and is Ireland’s best keeper by far, I thought it was harsh dropping Forde as he has done well for Ireland but to give Given the number one spot is a joke!
agree absolutely. he was shocking when he can on against the tans. he even pulled off a dreaded kick out straight to throw in. way past it and a liability at this stage
He also conceded 11 in his last two clubs matches
I was having a look at our results page on wiki and I got sad. Lads the Holland game was 14 years ago. We haven’t beaten anyone worth writing home about since. 14 years like. On Sat evening we just have to win. Enough talking and draws and friendly wins and blaming managers tactics and bitching. We need 3 points. Simple as. The players need to believe in themselves and man up. If they don’t it could be the end for a lot of fans. Not only is our qualification riding on this our seeding for the upcoming wc draw is in the balance too. It’s massive. COYBIG
Yeah Emmet I like it. Players just need to do the business. Can’t wait for it.
if you hear a man freaking out in block 107 that’s me! COYBIG
See you in block 107 pal!
What’s the craic like…do we have to win or what? :)
4/5 picked given and Whelan. I’m sorry lads but are yous having a laugh!?
I’d pick Whelan, just because we lost against em when he didn’t play. Westwood should start ahead of Given though
We lost when I didn’t play too?
Whelan gets a hard time and doesn’t deserve it. He is a strong holding midfielder who has held off many the challenge to his position at Stoke. His role is not pretty and his influence is understated. This was proven in the Germany where 5 mins after he went off injured they scored through an area he patrols. For me it’s McCarthy who really needs to step up in the green and justify the hype surrounding his ability, we’ve not seen it yet for Ireland.
I can definitely see a red card in this game.
Given should be nowhere near the team
Westwood, Coleman, O’Shea, Wilson, Brady, McGeady, Mccarthy, Holohan, McClean, Long, Murphy
Given
O Shea. Keogh Wilson
Coleman Brady
McCarthy Holhann Whelan
Walters
Long.
I’d changed my mind Keane over Walters
Westwood, Coleman, o’sea , Wilson, Brady McCarthy, hoolihan , Myler Walters MacLean long
Jack Freakish should start…
Meant Grealish but I’m sure he’s been called worse
Given, Coleman, O Shea, Wilson, Brady, McGeady, Whelan, Mcarthy, Walters, Keane, Long
Westwood Coleman O’Shea Wilson Brady McGeady McCarthy S.Quinn Hoolahan McClean Long
In goals : Westwood,
3backs : Meyler, O’Shea, Wilson
5midfield: Coleman, Whelan, Hendicks, Brady
Hoolahan
Strikers: Walters, Long
Suds: 60min Arthur for Hoolahan
: 70min McGeady for Brady
: 75min. Keane for ????
Patrick wards pick is the most balanced
Westwood
Coleman O’Shea Wilson Brady
McCarthy Whelan
Walters Hoolahan McGeady
Long
Subs:McClean 65 minute mark, will get the croud going and his energy will cause tired defenders problems.
Hendrick: Go to a 3 man midfield at half time if under the cosh, take Walters off and send Wes out on the right.
Keane:70 minute mark if we need a goal.
Given Coleman oshea Wilson Brady mcgeady Hendrick McCarthy McClean Holohan Long
Forde
Coleman O’Shea Wilson Brady
Hendrick McCarthy
McGeady Long McClean
Murphy