Ireland put in a brilliant performance in the draw with Belgium yesterday. While they did lose their way slightly during a couple of periods in the game, you certainly couldn't argue that they didn't deserve to come away from the contest on level terms.
Attentions will now turn to the friendly against Lithuania on Tuesday night, a fixture Stephen Kenny's side will be expecting to win. The manager is likely to make a few changes, with some fringe members of the squad set to be given an opportunity to impress. However, we would still expect to see a number of key personnel keep their place in the side.
With that in mind, here is the Ireland team we would like to see against Lithuania.
GK: Caoimhín Kelleher
Kelleher made only his second international start against Belgium, and despite conceding two goals, it was a relatively quiet afternoon for the Liverpool goalkeeper. He perhaps could have done slightly better on the opening goal, but that may be a bit harsh.
Stephen Kenny will want to see how comfortable the Cork man looks at this level, something that is highly unlikely to be an issue considering his calm demeanour.
CB: Nathan Collins
It was a slight surprise not to see Nathan Collins in the starting XI yesterday, although his opportunity will surely come on Tuesday evening. While his playing time has still been reasonably limited, the 20-year old has impressed during his appearances for Burnley in the Premier League.
As a result of his form and injuries to other players, he now likely finds himself ahead of the likes of Dara O'Shea and Andrew Omobamidele in the pecking order at centre back. That competition for places is certainly a nice problem for the Ireland manager to have.
CB: Shane Duffy
You would perhaps be tempted to throw Dara O'Shea or Jimmy Dunne in here, but Shane Duffy's relative lack of recent playing time at Brighton means that he could do with the minutes.
The Derry man put in a typically assured display at the back in yesterday's game.
CB: John Egan
John Egan was absolutely exceptional against Belgium. In fact, Stephen Kenny credits him with turning the game around when Ireland started a bit slowly in the opening half an hour or so.
He is mobile, strong in the air, and capable of stepping into midfield with the ball at his feet. It's everything you want in a centre back. The Sheffield United man is probably the first name on the team sheet at the moment.
RWB: Matt Doherty
Matt Doherty wasn't at his best against Belgium, although he did show some flashes in the second half. He is certainly one of Ireland's key players, especially when it comes to break down opposition defences.
He should get a bit more joy against Lithuania, while Seamus Coleman could do with a break after a few very difficult weeks at club level.
LWB: Ryan Manning
James McClean brings plenty of endeavour to this position, but it seems like the right time to give Ryan Manning an opportunity in the team. He has had an excellent season at Swansea playing in a wingback role, meaning he should have no issues slotting into the Irish side.
This fixture is the ideal opportunity to test him out.
CM: Josh Cullen
Josh Cullen is the one that keeps things ticking in the Irish midfield. Whoever partners him can be left open to debate, but the Anderlecht man has to be in the side.
He never shirks the responsibility of taking on possession, something that is massively important now that Ireland are committed to playing out from the back.
CM: Alan Browne
Alan Browne has sometimes found his opportunities limited under Stephen Kenny, although he has often impressed when on the pitch. His well taken header yesterday was another example of that, with the Preston man's form at club level more than justifying a place in the side for the Lithuania game.
It would be interesting to see how himself and Cullen functioned as a pair.
FW: Chiedozie Ogbene
You just have to have him in the team.
Chiedozie Ogbene has been an absolute revelation since his arrival onto the international scene, with his performance against Belgium yet another example of what he can bring to the team. He is an automatic starter at this stage, with this game a good opportunity to get more international experience under his belt.
FW: Troy Parrott
Troy Parrott hasn't started a game for Ireland since the draw with Azerbaijan last September, although his form for MK Dons over the last couple of months justifies another opportunity in the team. He has all-around play has come on in leaps and bounds in recent times, something that he had been lacking at times in the past.
ST: Will Keane
This seems like the ideal game in which to give Will Keane his first real taste of international football.
The forward has been in brilliant form for Wigan this season, scoring 19 goals in League One this season. While it can be difficult to know whether such a record could be transferred to international level, Ireland always need more goalscorers in the side.
The Team In Full
This team is a nice blend of first choice and fringe players, a balance Stephen Kenny will likely be looking to strike on Tuesday evening.
Jason Knight could well be kept in the side, while Dara O'Shea and Jimmy Dunne will also come into consideration if the manager opts to make more wholesale changes at the back.
SEE ALSO: We Now Have A Clear Vision Of What Stephen Kenny Wants Ireland To Be
