Republic of Ireland and Oman will reignite their bitter rivalry play for the third time in four years on Wednesday night.
The fixture is due to act as a warm-up for Ireland’s opening World Cup qualifier away to Serbia next Monday, but instead the focus has shifted onto Robbie Keane, who’ll win his 146th and final cap.
It’s unclear as to whether Keane will start the game or not – the LA Galaxy striker is carrying a knock and didn’t take part in training on Monday – but the safe money would be on him leading the team out.
While the game has a testimonial feel for the 36-year-old, and Oman aren’t exactly ideal preparation to play Serbia, Martin O’Neill should focus on starting as strong a team as possible.
Here’s the XI we’d select:
Seamus Coleman trained alone on Monday, and missed Everton’s 1-0 win over Stoke City on Saturday, so this might be a chance to give Cyrus Christie a run-out at right-back.
Ciaran Clark didn’t cover himself in glory at Euro 2016, but was excellent alongside Richard Keogh last November against Bosnia, and could be given another chance due to Shane Duffy’s suspension and John O’Shea being rested for the game. Stephen Ward, who has improved in recent seasons, should start at left-back, enabling Robbie Brady to play in midfield.
It’d be good to see Harry Arter get more game time, and that may occur from the start as Jeff Hendrick could miss the game in order to wrap up his move from Derby County to Hull City.
James McCarthy is nursing a groin strain, so there’s no point risking him ahead of the trip to Belgrade. Glenn Whelan should therefore start at the base of midfield. Brady should start, as should Wes Hoolahan. Who else is going to set Keane up for a goal in his final game?
Jon Walters could do with some game time for Ireland ahead of the game against Serbia, and it’d be a cruel man to deny Keane the opportunity to lead out Ireland for the last time.
The new GAA Hour football podcast is out. Listen to Colm Parkinson, Barry Cahill, and Senan Connell dissect a classic between Dublin and Kerry. Subscribe here on iTunes.
