While he may only be in charge for two games, it will be interesting to see what changes interim manager John O'Shea makes to the Republic of Ireland this month.
It's fair to say that the side had grown somewhat stale towards the tail-end of the Stephen Kenny era. The former head coach did make some tactical tweaks during his final few games in charge, but the same issues continued to be present on the pitch.
Some new faces in the squad could help in this regard, with Sammie Szmodics, Finn Azaz, and Jake O'Brien all in line to make their Republic of Ireland debuts.
However, some feel that a new role for a more familiar squad member could also be worth a punt.
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Damien Delaney suggests solution to Republic of Ireland issue
Looking at the current Republic of Ireland squad, it seems that it is relatively well set in most positions. It contains two top class goalkeepers, as well as a plethora of defensive options. In forward areas, we have a number of exciting players who are in the midst of the best periods of form in their careers.
Despite this, midfield continues to be a concern.
Ireland have been regularly outplayed in that area of the pitch, especially out of possession. Josh Cullen is the only holding midfielder in the squad, with the lack of balance in the middle third something that was a huge issue under Kenny.
Damien Delaney has now suggested a radical solution to the problem.
Speaking on Virgin Media, the former Crystal Palace defender said that the Republic of Ireland should consider playing Nathan Collins in a holding midfield role this month.
Could we see Nathan Collins operate as a No.6 for Ireland in these friendlies?
Damien would like to see it, Keith would not... pic.twitter.com/hwA1Uklx3q— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 21, 2024
I think it's very viable. I'm not sure if John [O'Shea] will do it or not, but I think we lack a physical presence in there.
I think Nathan [Collins] is more than adequate on the ball, just in terms of keeping it moving. He has a defensive mind on him, and also if he does get caught in possession or make a mistake, he has a back four behind him, so he has that little bit of freedom maybe.
Also just to be a presence so that when the ball gets given away and the opposition midfielders win it back, the first thing they see is a 6-foot-4 Nathan Collins in the middle of the park. They've got to go wide or they're finding it hard to find a ball in, whereas too often it was too easy when the ball was turned over.
One well talked about point was the amount of shots we have given up at the edge of the box, someone like Nathan on the edge of it would have that central defender's mentality to get closer to stop shots.
I think it's a real live possibility and I wouldn't be surprised at all if it happened...
We need something, a proper kind of physical presence in the middle of the park. There's nothing wrong with it, we have a plethora of centre halves.
This is an interesting suggestion.
The Republic of Ireland have plenty of options at centre back, with Dara O'Shea, Jake O'Brien, and Andrew Omobamidele in the squad alongside Collins. The Brentford man would certainly have an imposing physical profile in the middle third and would seem to have many of the traits required to thrive in that position.
With the lack of other options, this is something that John O'Shea and the next permanent manager might consider moving forward.
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