The Dundalk duo have an immediate opportunity to impress the Irish boss.
There’s a good feeling around Irish football at the moment.
- Ireland are on course to achieve qualification for Russia 2018.
- Dublin will be hosting EURO2020 fixtures in the Aviva Stadium.
#Dublin2020 pic.twitter.com/d7TZNoIGlj
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 24, 2016
- We are up to 23rd in the latest FIFA world rankings
Well deserved https://t.co/LraA6XA01M
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 24, 2016
However, perhaps one of the most positive stories relating to Irish football over the last 12 months is Dundalk FC’s miraculous run in Europe.
The Lilywhites face AZ Alkmaar at the Tallaght Stadium in their penultimate Europa League clash (KO 20.05).
One of the positives out of Dundalk’s European journey has been the realisation that players who play professional football in Ireland ARE considered good enough for the national side. This was exemplified by the recent call-ups of Andy Boyle and Daryl Horgan in the most recent international window.
Martin O’Neill has stated that there are a number of players he will be looking at between now and our World Cup qualifier against Wales in March.
Fresh talent being looked at https://t.co/A1tygQqA4j
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 24, 2016
There is no time like the present, Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane are due to take their seats in the Tallaght Stadium to further run the rule over Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle.
Martin O’Neill spoke tat the launch of #Dublin2020 and mentioned the difficult task that faces Dundalk as they aim to close in on the knockout stages.
“Yeah, they’ve had a decent little run. They’ve been unbeaten in… I think it’s four, five, six matches now.
It’s a tough match. (Alkmaar) have to win the game themselves. They’ve only got two points on the board. So it might not be too bad for Dundalk in that sense knowing that they have to go for it.
It’s a great occasion for Dundalk, it’s fantastic and they deserve this chance to try to go through…”
The fact that O’Neill realises the difficult task which faces Dundalk can only motivate any player who has international aspirations further.
Put in a performance here against good opposition like AZ Alkmaar and the Irish brain-trust will likely notice you.
O’Neill does everything but name-check the Dundalk duo during this Euro 2020 event.
“I think if the lads themselves are performing well and the club themselves are getting into a bit of limelight, all those things help.”
The ever watchful eyes of O’Neill and Keane will be looking on, all there is to do for Horgan and Boyle is to perform.
