Ireland's loss to Scotland last night was a disappointing one, but there were a number of positives to take away from the performance in Glasgow.
Against a strong opponent, Stephen Kenny's side out together some excellent passages of play and probably should have scored a couple more goals. Unfortunately, they could not take the opportunities when they fell their way.
They will now face into the game against Armenia on Tuesday night needing at least a draw to avoid relegation in the UEFA Nations League. However, they will want to finish the campaign on a high with three points.
Here's the team we would select to get the job done.
Ireland team we want against Armenia
GK: Gavin Bazunu
There wasn't much Gavin Bazunu could do about either of Scotland's goals last night, while he did pull off one good save when called upon in the second half.
His ability to pass it both short and long from the back is a real asset to have in the team.
CB: Nathan Collins
Despite coming under pressure for much of the second half, it was another brilliant performance from Nathan Collins in Glasgow. He is a real leader in the side, equally comfortable defending deeply or stepping into the middle third with the ball at his feet.
He is a nailed on starter for Ireland moving forward.
CB: John Egan
John Egan's goal was brilliantly taken against the Scots, with the Sheffield United donning the armband once again in the absence of Seamus Coleman.
He has been Ireland's first choice defender under Stephen Kenny and will certainly be in the team moving forward alongside Collins.
CB: Dara O'Shea
Dara O'Shea more than justified his selection ahead of Shane Duffy in Scotland. He showed a brilliant range of passing at times, an area where he certainly has an advantage over the Fulham man.
Kenny could well opt for Duffy or Coleman in the back three against Armenia, but the trio that started last night's game deserve another go after their performances.
RWB: Matt Doherty
Matt Doherty was short of his usual standards at Hampden Park, something that is understandable when you look at how little football he has played this season. The minutes he got under his belt in that fixture will stand to him moving forward, with the Spurs man's creativity likely to be a big asset against an Armenia team who could look to sit deep and invite pressure onto them.
LWB: James McClean
It wasn't so long ago that James McClean looked to be well past his prime, but his form at both club and international level has experienced quite an uptick in 2022.
He was very good against Scotland, both on the ball and when asked to defend down the left flank. This looks like his spot to lose for now.
CM: Jayson Molumby
Jasyon Molumby was probably Ireland's best player against Scotland. He brought an incredible amount of energy to the midfield and it was noticeable how the team's performance level dropped off after he was substituted.
With Josh Cullen suspended for the Armenia game, he seems perfectly suited to playing in that slightly deeper role on Tuesday night.
CM: Jason Knight
Much like Molumby, Knight's main asset is his tireless running in midfield. He also brings plenty of quality on the ball, although we didn't quite see that against the Scots.
He should be given another opportunity in this game, with the Derby County man impressing more often than not when pulling on an Ireland jersey.
CM: Robbie Brady
With Josh Cullen unavailable, there is a spot to fill in the Ireland midfield. Conor Hourihane and Jeff Hendrick will be given strong consideration, but we would go with Robbie Brady.
The Dubliner has experienced quite the renaissance in his career since moving to Preston, often impressing in a more central role at Deepdale. In a fixture where Ireland will be expected to dominate possession, his creativity is a real asset. He could also drift out wide to deliver the ball into the penalty area at times, with his set-piece ability also a big plus.
ST: Chiedozie Ogbene
Chiedozie Ogbene looked dangerous immediately after coming on last night, although the service into forward areas would soon dry up. Troy Parrott's movement around the box would be an asset against Armenia, although we would be interested to see how a pairing of Ogbene and Obafemi would look.
The Rotherham United man has been in excellent form in a central position at club level this season and he should be given an opportunity to start in that position for Ireland.
ST: Michael Obafemi
It was a surprise to see Michael Obafemi substituted on the hour mark against Scotland. He had been playing very well up to that point and looked like Ireland's biggest threat up front. Perhaps it was a preplanned move with his lack of football in recent weeks in mind.
Either way, he should certainly be in the starting XI once again when the Armenians come to Dublin.
The Team In Full
There are a couple of close calls in this side. Conor Hourihane and Jeff Hendrick will come under consideration in midfield, while Troy Parrott could well be given another start up front.
In saying that, this looks like a side that is well suited to the challenge that Armenia will pose.
Here's hoping Ireland can finish the UEFA Nations League campaign on a high.
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