International friendlies have a tendency to feel a little pointless and, in many respects, Ireland’s meeting with Greece on Wednesday night is unlikely to inspire much excitement in fans of the national team.
In one crucial respect, however, there is scope for interest. Ireland are starting to take on the look and feel of a team in flux, as we admit we have to start saying our goodbyes to the old guard and take a chance with the new generation of players.
The game against Greece could see several players who have thus far been on the fringes of the squad or starting eleven, often to the displeasure of the fans, making long awaited appearances.
We have compiled our list of 5 players we want to see play, or in the case of Shane Long- start, the game on Wednesday with a view to the future of the team.
Do you agree? Disagree? Have we commited a glaring omission here? Have we been too kind to some? Let us know via the comments below or on Twitter, @Newstalkfm
James McCarthy ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
James McCarthy
James McCarthy is no longer the seemingly exiled international midfielder he once was. Having started each of Ireland’s 5 post Euro 2012 games the Wigan midfielder now seems to be taking on the look of a fixture in Trapattoni’s preferred first XI. With glowing references coming from the manager, including comment on how McCarthy has improved as a player, it appears the time of uncertainty between James McCarthy and Ireland is forgotten. His continued presence has the potential to add a calm, cultured core to Ireland’s play.
Wes Hoolahan ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
Wes Hoolahan
Wes Hoolahan has waited four years for his second international cap but looks set to end that wait on Wednesday, as Giovanni Trapattoni has promised the ex-Shelbourne player at lesat 45 minutes of game time against Greece.
The repeated rejection of Hoolahan has caused regular bouts of mass consternation across Ireland over the last few years. Every time we played ugly, direct football without flair the cries would go up that Hoolahan was the answer, Wes could change it all.
His form for Norwich in the Premier League has made it almost incomprehensible that he has gone so long without a call up but his inclusion now, at the age of 30, hopefully signals the start of a late international career and, at least, a realistic plan B for Ireland.
Shane Long ©INPHO/Lorraine O"Sullivan
Shane Long
Shane Long has 31 caps for Ireland but his remarkable start to the season with West Brom, coupled with the decline in form of Kevin Doyle and the increasingly noticeable incline in age of Robbie Keane, has moved Shane Long from the role of supporting cast to main attraction at the sharp end of the Ireland attack. With 5 goals for West Brom so far this season, and all round performances above anything else being produced by an Irish striker at the moment, Long is the man most Irish fans want to see leading the line. Trap has, however, been reluctant and rumours of a disagreement between player and manager suggest Long might need more than good form to win good favour with Trap.
There is no confirmation yet if Long will start but Trapattoni watched him play on Saturday and spoke of Long’s performance in glowing terms after the game, telling The Sun
“Long is fast and can take the ball. He jumps like a kangaroo, there were two or three balls he won which were fantastic…But he has improved.”
This is the most promising sign we have had so far of Trap’s attitude toward Ireland’s in form striker.
Robbie Brady ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
Robbie Brady
Robbie Brady has impressed in his first 3 appearances for the national side, proving himself a capable creative force from the wing. Brady has returned to Hull City on loan from Manchester United, with a view to gaining the first team experiecne he needs to break into the starting eleven at Old Trafford.
He should get his fourth cap on Wednesday night, a starting spot seems quite possible, and if he is part of a midfield containing some of, if not all, Hoolahan, McCarthy and Clifford there could be a glimpse of a bright creative, passing future for Ireland’s midfield.
Conor Clifford ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
Conor Clifford
Chelsea’s Conor Clifford has been a late addition to the squad, drafted in with Andy Keogh to replace the injured Keith fahey and Aiden McGeady.
Clifford is currently challenging for a spot in the Chelsea first team but has been attracting the attention of several Championship clubs looking to take the Dubliner on loan. Clifford was the captain of the FA Youth Cup winning Chelsea side and has appeared twelve times for the Ireland under 21 side.
A debut appearance on Wednesday seems unlikely but there will be hope that Trap can get Clifford involved in the international team, soon and avoid the stuttering start to international football endured by players such as James McCarthy, James McLean and Wes Hoolahan.
