The reason Martin O’Neill got such a backlash after his most recent interview with Tony O’Donoghue was because everyone in the country wanted to draw a line in the sand.
There was an opportunity there to put Denmark behind and get the nation reenergised by what is to come but the manager got tetchy with the choice of words in a routine chat nine months out from the next competitive game.
Instead of even appearing to be excited by what lay ahead, by the options available, by the Nations Cup games which will provide more competitive chances for players outside of the qualifiers – even if no-one has a f**king clue what it is – O’Neill still looked weighed down by the bad days, the criticism, and maybe his own thoughts that the team just isn’t that good.
But there is call for optimism which goes beyond the basic fact that most countries in international football aren’t actually all that.
Heading into March’s friendly with Turkey, there are eight names there still relatively unused by the Republic, with Harry Arter obviously establishing himself of late but still only boasts 11 caps. All eight of them could have an impact in future squads.
Harry Arter – 11 caps
Callum O’Dowda – 8 caps
Conor Hourihane – 4 caps
Daryl Horgan – 2 caps
Seán Maguire – 1 caps
Matt Doherty – 0 caps
Declan Rice – 0 caps
Scott Hogan – 0 caps
Suddenly, the Irish have good, genuine options with a crop of players all hitting a nice age. That’s generally what happens – they emerge when they’re in the mid-20s, not as teenagers. Not unless they’re as promising as Declan Rice and, despite the English sniffing around the West Ham defender, he is ready to commit to Ireland where he has played his football since he was under-16.
Rice’s rise has given Ireland even more choice in the backline and, actually, it gives them the opportunity to shake things up completely but, by doing so, unleashing the two best players in the squad.
1. Wing backs
With this shape, Duffy would clean up even more than he already does and Coleman and Brady would be off the leash to go raiding down the flanks more often.
There’s also the possibility of trying McClean out in that position and pushing Brady further forward where he has proven to be one of the side’s best attackers at times.
Matt Doherty is another option who could play in a back three. He’s started every game for the high-flying Wolves but Stephen Ward is still starring for the higher-flying Burnley.
2. Status quo
Not far from the current set-up but still a potent side. McCarthy will be back in time for the qualifiers next March at the very latest but that team will be put under pressure too.
3. Young and experienced
Maguire isn’t far off a return having been cut short as he was ripping it up with Preston in the Championship.
Wes Hoolahan is still the most creative player in Ireland and Conor Hourihane is starring for Villa as Glenn Whelan was finally reduced to a bench spot.
Scott Hogan still has a bit to go to prove he can do it consistently but he’s confident, he’s strong and he’s accurate and this team has balance, excitement and goals. If only they’d be allowed to go for it.
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