We asked you to pick the Ireland starting XI to play Germany and here’s what you came up with

Let’s be positive.

A football team should be more than a sum of it’s parts, and the team with the more talented players doesn’t always win.

While all fans of the Irish team would love to have players of the quality of Roy Keane, Damien Duff, a younger Robbie Keane, and even Seamus Coleman on the field against Germany tonight, Martin O’Neill will still be guaranteed full commitment and effort from his starting XI.

After all, Ireland are unbeaten over 90 minutes at Germany, and are just two positive results away from securing at least a play-off spot.

We asked you to select your starting XI’s for tonight’s crucial game, while also selecting our own XI, and here are your replies:

This Twitter user doesn’t specify whether he wants a team of Robbie or Roy Keanes, but this XI is either full of goals, or really intimidating. Or both.

@SportsJOEdotie@SPARIreland Keane Keane – Keane – Keane- Keane Keane – Keane – Keane – Keane Keane – Keane

— Kyle (@kylejuthan) October 8, 2015

A tried and tested option, but still a classic.

@SportsJOEdotie@SPARIreland #1 GBreen #2 GBreen #3 GBreen #4 GBreen #5 GBreen #6 GBreen #7 GBreen #8 GBreen #9 GBreen #10 GBreen #11 GBreen

— Eamon McElbuff PT (@eamon_duff) October 8, 2015

Ken is hopeful of a miraculous recovery for Seamus Coleman and Ciaran Clark, and is opting for a three man frontline.

@SportsJOEdotie@SPARIreland Forden Coleman Clark Wilson Brady Mcgeady Hendrick Meyler Walters Long Murphy

— Ken Carrick (@bigcarrick) October 8, 2015

@SportsJOEdotie @SPARIreland Given Coleman O’Shea Clark Brady Mcgeady Mccarthy Hoolahan Mcclean Walters Long

— Adrian McCormack (@AdrianMac97) October 8, 2015

@SportsJOEdotie @SPARIreland Given, Christie, O’Shea, Keogh, Brady, Walters, Hendrick, McCarthy, McGeady, Hoolahan, Long — Dave O’Kane (@dok88) October 8, 2015

@SportsJOEdotie @SPARIreland Given, Brady, O’Shea, Keogh, Christie, Long, McCarthy, Hendrick, Meyler, Hoolahan, Walters. — John Weldon (@Weldoninhio) October 7, 2015

@SportsJOEdotie @SPARIreland 4-5-1 Given Christie, O’Shea, Keogh, Ward, Walters, McCarthy, Hendrick, Meyler, Brady Long — Kieran (@The_Irishkieran) October 7, 2015

This side exists only in David Naughton’s dreams

@SportsJOEdotie Gary Breen,Gary Breen,Gary Breen,Gary Breen,Gary Breen,Gary Breen,Gary Breen,Gary Breen, Gary Breen, Gary Breen, Gary Breen. — David Naughton (@DavidNaughtonx) October 7, 2015

But these ones are all too real

@SportsJOEdotie @SPARIreland Given Meyler keogh o shea brady Mc Geady Hendrick Mc Carthy Hoolahan Long Walters — Cónchúr O’ Dufaigh (@ConorDuffy180) October 7, 2015

@SportsJOEdotie @SPARIreland Randolph; Christie, O’Shea, Wilson, Brady; Gibson, McCarthy, Hendrick; Walters, Long; Keane. — Cian Carroll (@CianByName) October 7, 2015

And here’s our XI.

Shay Given retains his place in goal, and we’ve given David Meyler the nod at right-back. The Hull midfielder doesn’t possess the attacking quality of the injured Coleman, but did a decent job in the same position last year against Germany. Alongside Meyler, and due to injuries to Ciaran Clark and Mark Wilson, we’ve opted for Derby defender Richard Keogh, who’ll earn his eight cap should he start. John O’Shea and Robbie Brady complete the back four.

In midfield, James McCarthy drops deeper, into Glenn Whelan’s holding role, and Jeff Hendrick retains his place after a great showing against Georgia. We’re going for a wildcard option alongside Hendrick, Eunan O’Kane of Bournemouth. The Derry native has yet to make a senior start for Ireland, but has featured regularly for the Premier League new boys this season. It’s a big call, but O’Neill has surprised us with each team selection. O’Kane could be that surprise call tonight. Wes Hoolahan retains his place at the tip of the midfield diamond, and will hopefully be able to retain the ball and relieve pressure on what will be an overworked Irish midfield.

We’re opting for Shane Long and Jon Walters up front. Both are energetic, combative and capable of playing out wide if a tactical shift is needed. If Germany have a weak spot, it’s their defence, which was breached twice against Scotland last month. Long’s pace and Walters physicality both have the potential to trouble the world champions.

Brought to you by SPAR, a proud partner of the FAI.

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10