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Football

19th Nov 2018

Five Ireland players who should be given a proper chance against Denmark

SportsJOE

By Aaron McNally

Ireland’s last game until March.

And it’s a meaningless one for both the Republic and Denmark but Martin O’Neill is under a lot of pressure and will want his first win since the victory over Wales in the World Cup qualifying last October.

The manager will also want to look to the future and the Euro 2020 qualifying next year so he will – at least he should – look to give some less-experienced players game time against the Danes on Monday night.

Here are five of those who have had few opportunities thus far – players O’Neill should start tonight.

John Egan

The son of Kerry GAA legend John Sr, John was signed by Sheffield United from Brentford in the summer for a club record £4 million. Egan has impressed in Sheffield since signing, starting all 17 games he’s been available. Egan was solid in his third appearance for the Republic of Ireland.

Kevin Long

Long, although not making as many appearances for Burnley this season, was very solid for Ireland in the game against Wales and was arguably the best player against the Danes in the reverse fixture of Monday’s final Nations League clash.

Conor Hourihane

Hourihane has been a vital cog in the Aston Villa machine over the last two seasons and will have been hoping to bring that form into the national team at some stage but he’s had to wait.

Callum Robinson

Conán Doherty: The thing about Callum Robinson

He might’ve been given chances by way of minutes but, for the most part, he’s been isolated up top, chasing after lost causes on his own.

Robinson may not have scored in his first five appearances with Ireland but he has looked lively in all. He wants to play football and he’s neat and dangerous and that should be used better than it has been. His club form with Preston has been very good with eight goals in 18 appearances this season but he doesn’t look like he has a chance of scoring in the current Irish set-up so far.

Michael Obafemi

Obafemi declared for Ireland last week and will want to get an appearance tonight to try and impress Martin O’Neill. He’s only played twice for the Southampton senior team but is only 18 years of age as well. A bright future ahead of him and one Ireland should invest in now.