This is the Ireland team to beat Moldova and restore some belief in the country

Two of Ireland’s most influential players are suspended and our forwards have been poor in the last two games.

Ireland are neck deep in this one. A real bind. But save your prayers for October 6 and 9 – Moldova at home and Wales away – because that’s when this team will need them most.

Martin O’Neill stressed that Ireland now know what they need to do to reach the playoffs – win and win again.

It is a shame he did not instil this same message into his squad heading into home matches against Wales and Austria, and away to Georgia, where the mindset appeared to be DO NOT LOSE for the first 70-75 minutes and then have a go (ie: lump the ball towards the box) at the end.

But enough of that negativity! This piece is all about the 11 Ireland internationals that can put Moldova to the sword, restore some belief and set the group up for a playoff clincher against Wales in Cardiff.

First off, the house-keeping. James McClean and Robbie Brady picked up yellow cards and are suspended for the Moldova game. James McCarthy, Jeff Hendrick and Eunan O’Kane may be back to full fitness but we would only select Hendrick out of that trio.

We are going with a 3-5-2 selection that should provide the necessary width to stretch the Eastern Europeans, who are only likely to play one up front and stack their midfield. O’Neill loves playing four at the back so, were he to insist on this, our right wing-back David Meyler can play the conventional role.

Harry Arter can set the tempo and has the ability to split defences with his passing but David Meyler has earned his place in this team. With the Cork native in centre midfield, it can set Wes Hoolahan and Hendrick loose to join attacks.

Up front, Shane Long is dropped and we take the biggest punt seen in Irish football history since Shane Duffy’s last rushed clearance. Scott Hogan has declared to play for Ireland and just in time too. This team is in desperate need of a goalscorer and Hogan has 18 in his last 37 starts [Brentford and Aston Villa]. Holding up the ball and bringing others into play is a strength too.

Aiden McGeady gets the left wing-back slot but most of is time should be spent further up the field. Our final selection is Jon Walters, who looked rusty in his last two outings but has another level to go to. The Burnley forward turns 34 on September 20 but has a history of picking Ireland up when they are at a low ebb.

That is exactly what we need right now.

IRELAND

Rob Redmond and Conán Doherty have gone with more conservative approaches with a disagreement in the forward line.

Rob’s team

Conán’s team

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