We are just weeks away from the beginning of Euro 2016 and Ireland’s preparation are about to step up a notch.
Martin O’Neill’s side have two final friendly games later this month – we entertain The Netherlands in the Aviva Stadium on 27 May, while Belarus are the visitors to Turners’ Cross on 31 May.
The games will give the Irish management a final chance to look at players who might be hopeful of getting on the plane to France. This afternoon, the Dutch revealed their squad for the clash later this month.
They, of course, will be at home twiddling their thumbs as we face up to the best in Europe, and their squad has a youthful look about it.
It doesn’t contain any names Ireland should really fear. The key focus of attention is sure to be the inclusion of Manchester United starlet Timothy Fosu-Mensah.
The full-back has earned his first call-up after impressing in the later part of the season, and he may be in line to make his debut at the Aviva later this month. He will certainly leave the Irish players in no doubt that he is about.
Thus far, Fosu Mensah averages three fouls a game but he has only picked up one booking in his nine appearances.
A senior cap will go a long way to ending speculation that the former Ajax player could yet line out for Ghana, whom he qualifies for through his father. Ghana coach Avram Grant was said to be prepared to hop on a plane to England to give them an impassioned pitch, last month.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah set for his very own Jack Grealish saga https://t.co/NjizKOBrzI
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) April 13, 2016
The squad also contains Memphis Depay, but there is no Wesley Sneijder for us to worry about.
https://twitter.com/football_oranje/status/728573579701440512
Good to see Ron Vlaar is keeping bus.
