This is it. Don’t get scared now.
Whilst Martin O’Neill might be subliminally preaching caution with a reminder that the Irish are coming up against a technically superior side against Serbia on Tuesday night, James McClean has set the tone – we have to win, it’s as simple as that.
Those are facts, the energetic winger is preaching.
If Ireland don’t win in their penultimate game at Lansdowne Road, they’ll find themselves in third place by the end of the evening assuming that Wales take care of Moldova at the same time.
If Ireland don’t win, they’ll more than likely be behind the playoff spots on goal difference looking at a daunting final day in the bid for a place at World Cup 2018.
- Ireland v Moldova (October 6)
- Wales v Ireland (October 9)
With that in mind, Martin O’Neill has damn well gone for it.
Ladies and gentlemen, Wes Hoolahan is in.
Ladies and gentlemen, Glenn Whelan is out.
The manager has made two changes from the side that drew in Georgia. Meyler comes in for Whelan whilst Hoolahan replaces Harry Arter in a more attack-minded side.
BREAKING: Wes Hoolahan starts for Ireland with Jon Walters captaining the side as Martin O'Neill names his team to face Serbia. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/08BOFePvhr
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) September 5, 2017
Whelan and Arter are on the bench and they’re joined by Daryl Horgan who never made the match-day squad in Georgia.
Ireland Subs: Westwood (GK), Elliot (GK), O'Shea, Keogh, Whelan, Horgan, Murphy, O'Dowda, K. Long, Hourihane, Hayes, Arter. #COYBIG
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) September 5, 2017
