YBIG 12
This will be Mick McCarthy’s third game as
manager, and while it would be too early to draw too many conclusions from the
result, the performance and line up though will give a strong indicator of
where the team is heading. Make no mistakes here Denmark should win, they have a better and settled team and have a sprinkling
of star quality. A year ago they were a solid World Cup team just losing out on
penalties to Russia in the last 16. We on the other hand were a shambles.
The Gibralter match Ireland won 1-0 was awful in every way. The Georgia game at
home was the complete opposite, and based on the Georgia game there is a
justifiable sense of optimism with a bit of luck like in the casinos https://online-casino.ie/
Ireland could come away with a draw.
Here is YBIG’s starting 11.
Darren Randolph was key in both of Ireland’s victories and made the Championship team of the year with Middlesborough. He is part of a five man defence which picks itself.
Enda Stevens started both games at left-back for Ireland and looked very solid particularly against Georgia.
Shane Duffy A big lump of a rock, that’s a compliment by the way
Richard Keogh, of the five man defence his place might be under a little pressure. Was excellent for Derby in the Championship play offs.
Seamus Coleman‘s. Pfew. He had a slow recovery from his broken leg but he was superb in the run in with Everton, sickener that himself and Doherty play the same position and are our two best players.
Glenn Whelan, has had an excellent season with Aston Villa, but with promotion came his release from the club and at 35 years old his international career time is dwindling but he can still have an impact for Ireland over the coming games. After that McCarthy might think otherwise.
Conor Hourihane Arguably the standout performer over the two games for Ireland. Anyone for a tennis ball free kick?
Jeff Hendrick  Improved with Burnley towards the end of the season. Another player with a few question mark over him as there are other midfield options that Mick might favour.
Matt Doherty. Mick McCarthy has strangely said that Coleman and Doherty can’t play in the same team, they started against Gibraltar where the whole team played very poorly on an astro pitch in extremely windy conditions. Surely not enough to base that judgment on. Doherty as an attacking right winger in a five man midfield can work, and the Coleman – Doherty link up needs more game time.
James McClean has started the first two games for McCarthy and he will be expected to start again, there is fair doubts over his place and with Robinson, Brady and O’Dowda as alternatives McClean will be under pressure to perform.
David McGoldrick had an excellent game against Georgia, was promoted with Sheffield United to the premier league and is a nailed on starter against Denmark
_____
Strong chance of coming off the Bench
Callum O’Dowda
Robbie Brady
Callum Robinson
Sean Maguire
Words Carl McGonagle
