“I think the starting line up might be a little bit different but not too different.”
That will probably make some people pretty nervous.
Ireland head for Poland on Sunday for a must-win (or high-scoring draw) clash if they are to secure automatic qualification for the Euros and the country would’ve preferred if O’Neill had committed to sticking with the world-beating performance of Thursday night.
The manager has Glenn Whelan and James McClean available again after suspension and he has confirmed that Seamus Coleman will be back for the final group game but news of Stephen Ward’s injury has the potential to upset a lot of Irish supporters – ironically.
The left back hasn’t travelled to Warsaw with the squad after sustaining a knock late in the Germany victory but what it means is that O’Neill could shift Robbie Brady back from midfield into defence again and recall Glenn Whelan – which the public surely won’t let pass without comment.
“I’ve left [Stephen Ward] behind because I didn’t think he’d be able to do the two games in three days because he has barely kicked a ball for Burnley,” O’Neill spoke in Warsaw at the Republic’s pre-match press conference. “But he is actually fine; I thought he might have done more damage to himself than he has.
“I don’t think there’ll be too many changes. I think Seamus [Coleman] is going to be fine. Glenn Whelan and James McClean are coming back from suspension too and they are all wanting to play really.”
The other option is of course to bring in David Meyler – the right-footed David Meyler – to cover at left back where he has before (or, in an even more extreme circumstance, Cyrus Christie). It would mean that Brady could stay in midfield and the trio in front of the back four could remain as Brady, McCarthy and Hendrick. Whelan-less.
It could be worse though. You could be Poland having to go in to the game without three of your starting players.
