Heading into the September international window, it has been said that Stephen Kenny will need a win against either France of the Netherlands in their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers in order to keep his job as Ireland manager.
That will certainly be no easy task, one that has been made all the more difficult by the absence of some key players. The likes of Evan Ferguson, Seamus Coleman, Callum O'Dowda, and Michael Obafemi have all been ruled out, while Matt Doherty is also suspended for the game in Paris.
With that in mind, it will be interesting to see what Ireland team he will pick against the French on Thursday evening.
Here's what we would go with.
The Ireland team we want against France
GK: Gavin Bazunu
While Bazunu has not had an ideal start to the season, there is no doubting his status as Ireland no. 1.
He will likely have to put in a huge performance if Kenny's side are to have any chance of pulling off a shock result.
CB: Nathan Collins
Nathan Collins has performed well since his summer move to Brentford, playing plenty of football have been stuck on the Wolves bench towards the end of last season.
His form for Ireland has been brilliant over the last 12 months. Like Bazunu, he will have big role to play by attempting to minimise the threat of Kylian Mbappe down that right flank.
CB: John Egan
At the time of writing, John Egan is still in contention for this fixture despite the knock he picked up on club duties at the weekend. Should he be available, there is no doubt that he will start and act as the experienced member of what is otherwise a youthful back three.
He trained today so he looks likely to be available for selection.
Should he be ruled out, we would replace him with Andrew Omobamidele, whose pace would be a plus against a very quick France frontline.
CB: Dara O'Shea
While Burnley have struggled since their return to the Premier League, it has been encouraging to see Dara O'Shea as a mainstay in the side since his arrival during the summer.
The Dubliner has been brilliant for Ireland whenever given the opportunity, forming an impressive partnership with Egan and Collins in recent times.
RWB: Alan Browne
Right wingback is a bit if a problem position for the France game. Seamus Coleman is out due to injury, while Matt Doherty is also unavailable after his ban from UEFA was extended by a further game.
Some have called for Festy Ebosele to start, but giving him the job of marking Kylian Mbappe on his international debut would be a huge call. Alan Browne has played here in the past at both club and international level and seems like a safer option considering the circumstances.
LWB: Ryan Manning
Left wingback is another problem position in the squad. James McClean has played here recently, and while Enda Stevens has also returned to the squad, surely it is time for Ryan Manning to be given an opportunity?
The Galway man has been brilliant at club level for the last few seasons, although Stephen Kenny has been hesitant to use him at international level. He has been playing well since his move to Southampton during the summer and offers something different to the other options in the squad.
CM: Josh Cullen
A no-brainer selection, the Irish midfield looks like a much more vulnerable unit when Cullen is not in the side. Like Dara O'Shea, he has found the going difficult in recent weeks at Burnley.
Despite this, he rightly remains a nailed on starter for Ireland.
CM: Jason Knight
Ireland are likely to go long spells without having the ball in this game, meaning having plenty of legs in midfield will be important. Jason Knight certainly provides that, while he is also capable of providing a bit of quality a bit further up the pitch.
He has been in excellent form since his move to Bristol City, being named as their player of the month for August.
CM: Jayson Molumby
Like Knight, Jayson Molumby will provide a huge amount of energy to the Irish midfield. He still needs to improve on the ball, but that is something that should come as he continues to improve with West Brom at club level.
Will Smallbone will also come under consideration in midfield, although he would provide less in terms of defensive cover.
ST: Chiedozie Ogbene
Chiedozie Ogbene was brilliant when Ireland played France back in March, causing plenty of problems with his direct running down the right flank.
That will be important in this fixture, especially as the team look to launch quick counterattacks from the back. While he has been used sparingly at Luton Town so far this season, he has to start this game.
ST: Adam Idah
Evan Ferguson missing out due to injury is a massive blow considering his recent form, while it also gives Stephen Kenny a decision to make on who starts in his place. He has already said that he views Aaron Connolly as a potential impact sub for this window after his return to squad, meaning Adam Idah is in pole position to get the nod.
He has struggled at times for Ireland, although his performance off the bench against France in March was excellent. Like Ogbene, his holdup play and running strength will be important in a counterattacking game plan.
The Team In Full
As things stand, this is the team we would select. As mentioned above, it would change if John Egan were to be ruled out due to injury.
Here's hoping they can pull off a shock result in Paris.
SEE ALSO: England Comments After Evan Ferguson Injury News Show Big Issue In Psyche Of Ireland Fans
