Suddenly, Ireland have options.
After failing to find the firepower to influence both games against Sweden and Belgium, Martin O’Neill’s squad selection was put under the microscope again.
It wasn’t adventurous enough, there weren’t enough game-winners and any sniff of an injury would leave the side in serious trouble.
One game and one goal later, that has all changed.
All 23 players are training for Ireland at Parc Olympique Lyonnais 👌 #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/FcLmQVgIJA
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 25, 2016
Stephen Ward and Jon Walters are the two biggest injury concerns ahead of Sunday.
The left back sustained an ankle injury during the 1-0 win over Italy on Wednesday night whilst big Walters hasn’t featured since coming off in the opener, but manager Martin O’Neill is upbeat about their fitness levels.
“Ward is improving which is good news and Jon has done very well in the last two days and we will have a look at him,” he said. “Stephen’s injury was a kick and it’s blown up quite severely but he is doing very well. Jon did a little bit of work today and is doing well too.”
Ward’s importance has come out of nowhere but, given how crucial Robbie Brady has been out the field, the left back’s inclusion has changed everything.
Our best option to replace Ward is actually our worst https://t.co/osUIedFN7A
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 25, 2016
The manager was in buoyant form in Lyon on Saturday when he said that he wanted his team to attack France. Ireland have used three different formations already in this tournament and these are the options that the Derry man will be considering.
TEAM 1
The diamond formation that got us here and that played so well against Sweden.
If Ward is fit, Brady can go into midfield and those faded options (alternatives) in midfield along with Hoolahan is the middle four that beat the world champions.
Richard Keogh appeared with the manager on Saturday for the press conference. That’s usually a good sign that he will start and he certainly deserves to keep his place.
TEAM 2
The 4-3-3 that was so good against Italy.
Pace and verve. Energy and lots of it.
Ward’s fitness is the biggest factor in this. If Brady is moved to full back, this formation isn’t really an option anymore. Not with both Glenn Whelan and McCarthy in the team.
TEAM 3
The side that lost to Belgium.
Looks better on paper than in did on the field.
Ward’s fitness is crucial. It effects Whelan, it effects Hoolahan and McClean – Brady obviously – and maybe even Jon Walters. It was Ward who took Walters’ place for Belgium.
What would your team be?
