We can’t believe we’re even discussing this any more.
After this.
.@FAIreland midfielder Wes Hoolahan sets @NorwichCityFC on their way to the top of the @SkyBetChamp with a classy finish. ? pic.twitter.com/By9wtcl24F
— Football On 5 (@FootballOn5) October 15, 2016
And this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXA4R_BKh-k
And this from Wes Hoolahan’s almost creepily ardent defender in chief.
Have we not finally come to realise that Hoolahan – home or away, rain or shine, friendly or competitive fixture, night game or daytime kick-off – is Ireland’s best creative player.
For Christ’s sake, remember his pass for Shane Long’s opener in the 3-1 win over Moldova.
Shane Long's goal scoring drought is over! He gives Ireland the lead in Moldova. Watch SS1 https://t.co/7OUzeS3EY8 https://t.co/5opjCtK1ll
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 9, 2016
This is no longer a debate. If Hoolahan’s legs work he starts for Ireland. He played 90 minutes of Norwich’s 3-2 defeat to Leeds on Saturday, ergo he should be starting in Vienna on Thursday.
However former Republic of Ireland international Stephen Hunt is still unsure about starting the scheming Canary in the Austrian capital, suggesting in his Sunday Independent column that Martin O’Neill keep him in reserve and spring him from the bench as a “potential sucker-punch late on”.
In explaining his reasons for leaving Ireland’s most creative player out of the team, Hunt really only strengthens the case for leaving the Dubliner in the starting line-up.
“I do think it’s important the game is in front of us, as we can be vulnerable in behind, but that is complicated by the absence of the get-out ball that the injured Shane Long provides. We don’t have anyone to hurt them on the break like he can, with that running,” writes Hunt.
Without their patented peppering of the channels, isn’t Ireland’s best hope of scoring a goal then through midfield, by passing the ball, smart movement and all that other stuff Hoolahan has a virtual monopoly on in green?
“I suppose the question is whether we’re good enough to keep control of the ball in away games,” writes Hunt. “That brings us back to the Hoolahan issue, although I’m not sure we are able to do that just yet. With Wes too, you need to get him on the ball. If you can’t he’s not that effective. His value, of course, is that he knows how to get you on the ball.”
So we can’t play it long without Long and we can’t play it through the middle without being in Dublin, so Hunt’s solution is James McClean in the 10 role, with David McGoldrick or Kevin Doyle up top?
Not having that. How about Wes in the 10 role, with St Kevin’s Boys brigade of Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick either side and McClean running those channels up top?
No surprise this man is in demandhttps://t.co/Cgvy0OnKxc
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 5, 2016
At least Hunt gives us some reason for optimism with his suggestion that, rather than just bringing Daryl Horgan along to Vienna for the ride, O’Neill may actually afford the Dundalk attacker some game time.
“O’Neill could well use him for 10-15 minutes and, if he does, I hope it’s in his best role, as a right-footer on the left wing,” writes Hunt. “If you want to get the best out of Horgan play him in his position.”
If you want to get the best out of Hoolahan, play him. Full stop.
You can catch up on the latest episode of JOE’s Football Friday Live right here…
