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Open thread: What should the Ireland team to face Scotland be?

Our writers give their thoughts ahead of Saturday’s crucial Euro 2016 qualifier.

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.

Daryl Murphy Could Daryl Murphy have forced his way into the reckoning? Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

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.

Wes Hoolahan Wes Hoolahan didn't feature in the friendly against England Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

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.

Robbie Brady Despite his mistake against Poland, Robbie Brady is expected to start at left-back Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

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.

Jon Walters Jon Walters has become a key player for the Boys in Green James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

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.

Kieren Westwood and Shay Given Will Westwood get the nod over Given after starting against England? Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

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? 

Power ranking the 8 best current internationals with a League of Ireland background>

It doesn’t sound like Martin O’Neill is expecting a pretty game against Scotland>

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41 Comments
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    Mute Ronan O'Healy
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:56 PM

    Breen
    Breen Breen Breen Breen

    Breen Breen Breen Breen

    Breen Breen

    198
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    Mute EoinM
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:53 PM

    Aaaaaand number 1 is Gary Breen….

    35
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    Mute Bee Shop
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    Jun 12th 2015, 2:44 AM

    Westwood

    Coleman O’Shea Wilson Brady

    Hoolahan McCarthy McClean McGeady

    McGoldrick Long

    ———————-
    Subs:

    Walters
    Keane
    Hendrick

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    Mute Liam Gallagher
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    Jun 12th 2015, 1:15 PM

    How anyone would start Westwood ahead of Gary Breen in goals is beyond me…

    8
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    Mute Rory Fleming
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:45 PM

    Long
    McClean Hoolahan. McGeady
    Whelan. McCarthy
    Brady. Wilson O’Shea Coleman
    Given

    130
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    Mute N O hUallaigh
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:37 PM

    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

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    Mute N O hUallaigh
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    Jun 11th 2015, 11:30 PM

    is he injured or something?

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    Mute Hugh Jass
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    Jun 12th 2015, 12:11 AM

    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.

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    Mute Ger
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    Jun 12th 2015, 12:44 AM

    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.

    7
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    Mute Augustus hoop
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    Jun 12th 2015, 7:05 AM

    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

    6
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    Mute N O hUallaigh
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    Jun 12th 2015, 8:30 AM

    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

    4
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    Mute Cathal O'Flaherty
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:51 PM

    Bonner

    Hughton McGrath McCarthy Staunton

    Houghton Whelan Townsend Sheedy

    Aldridge Quinn

    112
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    Mute Liam Gallagher
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    Jun 12th 2015, 1:44 PM

    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???

    1
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    Mute Joe Mckay
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:42 PM

    Westwood

    Coleman oshea Wilson Brady

    Walters whelan mccarthy mcgeady

    Hoolahan

    Long

    86
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    Mute Patrick Calvey
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:19 PM

    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!

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    Mute Emmett McNamara
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:57 PM

    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

    30
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    Mute Barry Newell
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    Jun 12th 2015, 12:17 AM

    He also conceded 11 in his last two clubs matches

    11
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    Mute Emmett McNamara
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    Jun 11th 2015, 11:07 PM

    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

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    Mute Mick S
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    Jun 11th 2015, 11:59 PM

    Yeah Emmet I like it. Players just need to do the business. Can’t wait for it.

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    Mute Emmett McNamara
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    Jun 12th 2015, 12:09 AM

    if you hear a man freaking out in block 107 that’s me! COYBIG

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    Mute Lochlainn McKenna
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    Jun 13th 2015, 8:41 AM

    See you in block 107 pal!

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    Mute Mark Gerard Lochlain
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:52 PM

    What’s the craic like…do we have to win or what? :)

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    Mute Don Draper
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:00 PM

    4/5 picked given and Whelan. I’m sorry lads but are yous having a laugh!?

    49
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    Mute Kilbur
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:24 PM

    I’d pick Whelan, just because we lost against em when he didn’t play. Westwood should start ahead of Given though

    36
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    Mute Thomas O' Donnell
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:29 PM

    We lost when I didn’t play too?

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    Mute Tom Sheerin
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:57 PM

    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.

    52
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    Mute david gaynor
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:28 PM

    I can definitely see a red card in this game.

    48
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    Mute Cosmo Kramer
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:55 PM

    Given should be nowhere near the team

    31
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    Mute James McNamara
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:05 PM

    Westwood, Coleman, O’Shea, Wilson, Brady, McGeady, Mccarthy, Holohan, McClean, Long, Murphy

    21
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    Mute Irishoversea
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:37 PM

    Given
    O Shea. Keogh Wilson

    Coleman Brady

    McCarthy Holhann Whelan

    Walters
    Long.

    13
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    Mute Irishoversea
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:39 PM

    I’d changed my mind Keane over Walters

    4
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    Mute Don Draper
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:13 PM

    Westwood, Coleman, o’sea , Wilson, Brady McCarthy, hoolihan , Myler Walters MacLean long

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    Mute WorldCupStickers
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:45 PM

    Jack Freakish should start…

    7
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    Mute WorldCupStickers
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:49 PM

    Meant Grealish but I’m sure he’s been called worse

    35
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    Mute Glenn Harman
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:37 PM

    Given, Coleman, O Shea, Wilson, Brady, McGeady, Whelan, Mcarthy, Walters, Keane, Long

    7
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    Mute Robert O'Sullivan
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    Jun 12th 2015, 12:22 AM

    Westwood Coleman O’Shea Wilson Brady McGeady McCarthy S.Quinn Hoolahan McClean Long

    5
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    Mute Glenn Finlay
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    Jun 11th 2015, 11:41 PM

    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 ????

    5
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    Mute David Duignan
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:35 PM

    Patrick wards pick is the most balanced

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    Mute Cormac Byrne
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    Jun 12th 2015, 9:07 AM

    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.

    4
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    Mute Ciaran McHugh
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    Jun 12th 2015, 8:14 AM

    Given Coleman oshea Wilson Brady mcgeady Hendrick McCarthy McClean Holohan Long

    1
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    Mute Aidan
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    Jun 12th 2015, 12:25 PM

    Forde
    Coleman O’Shea Wilson Brady
    Hendrick McCarthy
    McGeady Long McClean
    Murphy

    1
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