Ireland will return to the pitch for the first time in over three months later this week, travelling to Hampden Park to take on Scotland in their UEFA Nations League group.
While it may not be a qualifier, that game is still a huge one for Stephen Kenny's side. Not only do they want to finish as high as possible in their group, but the next two fixtures could also aid their chances at qualifying for Euro 2024.
As a result, expect a strong team.
Ireland have a near full squad to choose from, with only a couple of absentees. With that in mind, here is the team we would like to see for the game against Scotland.
Ireland team we want to see against Scotland
GK: Gavin Bazunu
Caoimhín Kelleher ruled out due to injury, there is no debate about Gavin Bazunu's place in this team.
The Dubliner would have started in any case, putting in some brilliant performances since establishing himself as a Premier League no. 1 at Southampton.
CB: Dara O'Shea
Despite West Brom's struggles in the Championship, Dara O'Shea has been in brilliant form to start the season. He has played every minute of their ten games up to this point, scoring a couple of goals along the way.
O'Shea looked to be on his way towards nailing down a place in the Ireland team before his unfortunate injury in Portugal last year, although he would start the game against Ukraine back in June. He deserves a place in the side ahead of Shane Duffy at the moment.
CB: Nathan Collins
Perhaps the first names on the team sheet based on current form, Nathan Collins has been absolutely sublime since his move to Wolves during the summer. That moment of madness at the weekend aside, he has been among the most reliable defenders in the Premier League.
A certainty to start.
CB: John Egan
John Egan would complete what looks like a rather formidable back three, with the Sheffield United man the elder statesman of the trio.
The Cork native has put in some top displays in the Championship during the current campaign, helping his side to the top of the division. He is reportedly being lined up for as Premier League move in January.
RWB: Matt Doherty
Matt Doherty has found playing time hard to come by at Spurs in recent times, with Antonio Conte suddenly preferring Emerson Royal at the right wingback spot.
Despite what might be a lack of match fitness, the 30-year old will be a key player for Ireland during this international break. The team certainly looks like a much more threatening one with him in it, with Doherty often acting as the main creative force in the side.
LWB: Robbie Brady
It has been 18 months since Robbie Brady's last international appearance, but his form for Preston this season has served as a reminder as to what Stephen Kenny has been missing out on. The player seems to have finally put his troubling injury issues behind him.
James McClean is the other option for this spot, and while the Wigan man has also been in strong form this season, it would be interesting to see what Brady could do from the left wingback role in this team.
CM: Josh Cullen
Josh Cullen has taken to the Championship like a duck to water since signing for Burnley. He has played every single minute of their campaign so far, helping manager Vincent Kompany get his ideas across having worked closely with the Belgian at Anderlecht.
The midfielder has been arguably Ireland's most consistent performer under Stephen Kenny.
CM: Jason Knight
It was a big surprise to see Jason Knight stay at Derby County this summer, with the 21-year old far too good to be playing in League One. He has also featured at right back a lot this season, although that won't continue at international level.
Knight brings a huge amount of energy to the Irish midfield, with the team always looking like a much livelier one when he is in it.
CM: Jayson Molumby
Jeff Hendrick could well start here, although Jayson Molumby was very impressive alongside Cullen and Knight during the 3-0 win over the Scots back in June. That should be enough to give him the nod.
The Waterford man has started all but one of West Brom's ten league fixtures this season, the type of run that has often been lacking over the course of his career. Hopefully it will help to bring his game to the next level on the international stage.
ST: Chiedozie Ogbene
Chiedozie Ogbene has been on fire for Rotherham United this season. Playing largely up front, he has already found the back of the net on five occasions.
Stephen Kenny will certainly be tempted to pair Troy Parrott with Michael Obafemi up front as he did in the previous game against Scotland, although Ogbene's form means that it is very difficult to leave him out of the side. Trying him out in his new central role is certainly worth a go.
ST: Michael Obafemi
Michael Obafemi showed in the June international window that he has to be in the Ireland team if fit. He offers something completely different to other players in the squad, with his movement around the box a huge asset to have in any side.
He can also produce a moment out of magic out of nowhere, as shown by his goal and assist against the Scots. Himself and Obgene would make for an intriguing pairing up top, with their pace a fantastic option on the counterattack in a game where Scotland could have a bit more of the ball.
The Team In Full
This would be a hugely exciting team, featuring eight players aged 26 or younger.
There are a couple of tight calls to be made. Stephen Kenny may opt for the experience of Shane Duffy at the back, while James McClean and Jeff Hendrick also have a claim at left wingback and midfield respectively. Up front, Troy Parrott will also be given plenty of consideration.
It will be interesting to see what XI takes to the pitch in Glasgow on Saturday evening.
SEE ALSO: Chiedozie Ogbene Admits That His Ambitions Are Set Higher Than Current Club
