July 10… Euro 2016 final.
Circle the date because you’re going to see the Republic of Ireland there.
OK, we might be getting a bit carried away but we’d give ourselves every chance to get out of our group if the Premier League contingent perform in France the way they’ve done this week.
Shane Long opened the scoring for Southampton in their 2-0 victory over Watford with a well-timed run and perfectly placed header beyond Heurelho Gomes.
With Long likely to lead the line in France, it’s great to see him get among the goals, this being his eighth of the season.
https://twitter.com/decytheman/status/687394342638583809
https://twitter.com/brianbutler17/status/687394043786059777
Jonathan Walters, Ireland’s saviour in the second leg of our play-off with Bosnia, was also on target as he crept around the back of a defender and volleyed home during Stoke’s 3-1 victory over Norwich.
It was his second goal in four days after he proved he can score from outside the box in the Potters’ 2-1 win in the FA Cup.
Super Jonny Walters! #SCFC @JonWalters19 pic.twitter.com/MIaxUe7bcg
— Chris Price (@pricec111) January 13, 2016
@KnotFM thank heavens we have mr reliable Super Jonny Walters!! always there when you need him…credit to Arnie for a superb cross, too.😃👍
— Ray Calleja (@raymcall) January 13, 2016
James McClean proved spoiler at Stamford Bridge as he snatched a point for West Brom against the reigning Premier League champions.
The winger equalised with a cracking strike into the bottom corner of Thibaut Courtois’ goal and if he brings that kind of determination to France, he’ll definitely give Martin O’Neill something to think about in terms of a starting place.
https://twitter.com/our_ads1978/status/687397135726280705
Haha, what a photo! Love him. #JamesMcClean pic.twitter.com/xvj3Fr5DuE
— Muireann🍀 (@muireannf) January 13, 2016
That’s not to forget Harry Arter’s first Premier League goal which arrived on Tuesday night when he opened the scoring against West Ham.
Whisper it, lads, but there are goals in the Ireland team. Now let’s just hope the players can click quickly enough to get going early in the summer.
