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11th October 2020
04:37pm BST

When they did, it was two players - Seani Maguire and Daryl Horgan - who were not in the original squad that came on. Given that Ireland drew with Bulgaria and lost at home to Finland, they really did need a home win against Wales.
And still, Byrne was fixed to his seat on the bench.
As much as we keep telling ourselves that Kenny's Ireland is looking better than anything we have seen for decades [stretching back to Mick McCarthy's first spell as national team boss], the longer the wait goes on for a victory, the harder if may take to get one.
Byrne has proved, during his time in England and with Rovers, that he provides midfield impetus and a creative spark, but Kenny persevered with Hourihane and Hendrick.
In the cold light of day, Ireland had only one shot on target and it was a tame effort from Hendrick with about 15 minutes to go.
Ultimately, the red card for James McClean in the 83rd minute put paid to any feint hope of a late Byrne cameo. Ireland fell back in the closing stages and Josh Cullen - another player not in the original squad - came on for Molumby after 89 minutes.
As the full-time whistle sounded and another game passed without an Ireland win, or a goal, Byrne removed his bib and headed for the tunnel. He was back out, soon after, for his warm-down. The only out-field Irish player needing one as he did not see a minute of action.
If opportunity did not knock against Wales, after all the pull-outs and disruptions, you would seriously doubt whether it will against Finland.
If the FAI want to make extra space on the plane to Helsinki - to reduce the chances of Covid infections - perhaps they could do Byrne a favour and tell him to stay home instead. They could save everyone the hassle, and hardship.
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