Kristian Jack was mostly complimentary about Ireland but one observation was back-handed.
Media outlets from across the world carried stories, last night and today, about Ireland qualifying for Euro 2016. TSN was one of a host of sites to hail the resilience and togetherness of Martin O’Neill’s men.
Writing for the Canadian broadcaster’s website, however, Jack claimed Ireland were far, far better than the sum of their humble parts.
He declared, “Whoever Martin O’Neill’s team get next summer doesn’t really matter. Watching them defeat outstanding players – Champions League level stars – like Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic shouldn’t be glossed over.
“It was an outstanding achievement. Ireland has no one near that level.
“With the exception of the brilliant James McCarthy, and the reliable Seamus Coleman, the rest of Ireland are a mix of average Premier League players at teams like Stoke, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Norwich and good Championship players from clubs like Derby, Ipswich and Burnley.
“Put them together for 38 games and throw them in the Premier League and they would be relegated every season.”
We’re not as sure.
Pack out the Aviva each week, tell Richard Keogh there are crosses to be cleared and get Jon Walters on everyone’s case and we might just have a chance of a top 10 finish.
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