Martin O’Neill is set to bestow the Ireland captaincy on one of his experienced heads this Thursday.
The Ireland manager has named a 19-man squad to take on Mexico in New Jersey, later this week, and it is a mix of familiar faces and young hopefuls.
James McClean and goalkeepers Colin Doyle and Darren Randolph have linked up with the 19-man squad that had been training down at Fota Island Resort, Cork last week. Declan Rice of West Ham is not included in the travelling party.
O’Neill is expected to choose his captain from one of four squad regulars – McClean, Randolph, Wes Hoolahan and Richard Keogh – with the responsibilities possibly shared by two during the friendly fixture.
Hoolahan has captained Norwich City before and is the oldest member of the Ireland squad but McClean has a good case to lead his country too after impressing for West Brom, and Ireland, this season. Either would fully deserve the role.
Ireland captain Seamus Coleman has a long-term injury while stand-in Robbie Brady is being spared the Stateside trip. The other strong option for O’Neill is Derby County captain Richard Keogh.
Here is the squad in full.
Goalkeepers: Colin Doyle, Darren Randolph
Defenders: Cyrus Christie, Alex Pearce, Richard Keogh, Shane Duffy, Andy Boyle, Kevin Long, John Egan
Midfielders: Eunan O’Kane, Alan Browne, Daryl Horgan, Conor Hourihane, Wes Hoolahan, Stephen Gleeson, Callum O’Dowda, James McClean
Forwards: David McGoldrick, Daryl Murphy
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