Stephen Ward’s reputation precedes him but it does him a massive disservice.
Okay, he’s not the best full back in the world, or in the Ireland camp, or in many other football circles but he’s not this big, ball of calamity that social media would make him out to be.
He’s 30 years of age now, he’s played 35 times for his country; he’s a serious option for Martin O’Neill. A good option. When it comes to left back, he’s our best option.
Robbie Brady is fantastic from that position, he’s even essential at times to give the side width, to get them out of defence and to – you got it – defend. But he’s too important going forward now as a midfielder, as a ball-player, as a game-winner.
Ward is the man who allows him to do that. He gave Brady that freedom against Germany, out in Belarus when the Norwich man scored that goal we never saw and against Italy on Wednesday night.
It’s no coincidence that Ward has been there for some of the most famous nights in Irish footballing history. And, for the lads eight months, he’s been doing a solid job for Ireland.
Player rating v Germany
Player rating v Belarus
Player rating v Belgium
That was the third highest rating that day. Behind Hendrick and, guess who, Brady.
Player rating v Italy
The man deserves respect. He’s been there for some monumental clashes and he’s survived the test.
He wasn’t making the Burnley team at the start of the season. However, by the second half of the campaign he was starting every week on a team that went on to win the Championship and charge back into the Premier League.
And, whilst Brady is a better option at left back, whilst this isn’t a sweeping statement to say that Ward is suddenly one of the best players in Europe, it is recognition that his ankle injury is a huge blow for Ireland and, if he doesn’t make it back on time, he’ll be a big, big loss.
The Dubliner picked up the knock in the first half against the Italians but he ploughed on for his country. In doing so, he kept Brady up the field and the rest is now legendary history. Thanks to Ward’s perseverance.
He sat out of Friday morning’s training session in Versailles but there was a return for Jon Walters.
If the left back doesn’t make it back for Sunday, who comes in to take his place?
Robbie Brady
He can obviously do it but do we want him there?
Robbie Brady has blossomed into a serious, serious left back https://t.co/NnA29qunkN
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 27, 2016
It wouldn’t be too bad if Ireland reverted to the diamond formation and brought Wes Hoolahan back into the starting line-up – Brady’s width is needed from full back then.
But the team were so energetic and threatening with the 4-3-3 that was used on Wednesday night and Brady, Hendrick and McCarthy together had the games of their lives. That would be a shame to break up.
It would also mean a recall for Glenn Whelan most likely.
David Meyler
Came on for Ward in that position against Germany. He’s here because he’s versatile.
He’d also do anything to clear his lines.
Cyrus Christie
He played 45 games for Derby this season, not one was on the left.
He’d hardly be risked on a new flank on this stage. Would he?
Shame Cyrus Christie isn't a left back#IRLBEL
— Conán Doherty (@ConanDoherty) May 31, 2016
John O’Shea
Won league titles and all sorts of trophies from left back. But he’s 35 now.
Ciaran Clark
He could maybe deputise on the left – although he hasn’t done so in quite a long time. He’s left-footed, he’s athletic, aggressive and comes out with the ball well enough but someone like Kingsley Coman or Antoine Griezmann would be licking their lips to get running at him with all that space out wide.
