In the RTÉ studio following Ireland's 1-1 draw with Sweden, the absence of a Luka Modric-type player in the Irish midfield was lamented.
After taking the lead early in the second half, through Wes Hoolahan's perfectly struck half volley, Irish influence on the game diminished.
An inability to play with a lead really hurt Ireland. Like was said in studio, a player, like Modric, who could control the tempo of the game would have aided their cause.
Regarding Ireland's failure to control the game, Eamon Dunphy had a scapegoat in mind, one whom he has had in his sights before - James McCarthy.
The Everton midfielder performance was disappointing against the Swedes. He failed to put his stamp on the game.
Dunphy, however, still went over the top with his criticism.
We won't be able to go on with James McCarthy doing nothing in midfield. Whelan - who I have often been critical of - was really good today. He tackled, he shadowed Ibrahimovic when he came deep in the first half and he was working all the time. He even delivered a bit on the ball.
McCarthy, we have to do something about. I watched him all season at Everton, he got his manager the sack there. The guys does nothing. He's strolling around the pitch like a traffic cop pointing here and pointing there and not doing anything himself. He's a big player, in the Premier League, you'd expect him to be one of the leaders.
Soon after his initial comments, he once again had a cut at McCarthy labeling him a 'waste of space'.
Player Ratings: Here's How We Rated The Irish Players In A Frustrating Game Against Sweden
