We can’t even form a Premier League XI right now.
The overnight relegations of Burnley, Hull and QPR has not exactly done wonders to the make-up of Ireland’s squad for their crucial Euro 2016 Qualifier against Scotland, next month.
From the 33-man squad named by Martin O’Neill – for the friendlies against Northern Ireland, England and the competitive fixture against the Scots – only 10 are now Premier League players.
Robbie Brady, David Meyler, Paul McShane and Stephen Quinn are all contemplating Championship football following confirmation of Hull’s relegation, on Sunday. Burnley defender Stephen Ward has had long to come to terms with the drop.
The percentage of Premier League players in the squad squad fell from 45% to 30% once the final whistles blew.
Richard Dunne and Reece Grego-Cox [an 18-year-old striker] featured for QPR yesterday but neither are in O’Neill’s squad.
The sole consolation for O’Neill is the arrival of Harry Arter’s Bournemouth to the Premier League for 2015/16.
Future Premier League stars?
A glimpse of Ireland’s most recent Under-21 squad reveals some kernels of hope for the coming years.
Noel King named Manchester City’s Jack Byrne and Ian Lawlor, Bradley Garmston of West Brom, Kenneth McEvoy of Spurs and Tommy Hoban, who made 30 appearances for newly promoted Watford this [recently completed] season.
