After two thoroughly disappointing World Cup qualifiers, Martin O'Neill has the need to score goals on his mind.
Against Georgia and Serbia, Ireland's only goal came via Shane Duffy and that, in large part, was also down to some charitable goalkeeping. In total, Ireland have scored just nine goals in Group D so far, just one more than Georgia.
There was plenty of reason for optimism early in the qualification campaign but the possibility of Ireland playing in Russia next summer has become increasingly unlikely.
Two huge games loom next month against Moldova in Dublin and then versus Wales in Cardiff. Victories in both are essential if O'Neill's side are to grasp a playoff spot. Even if they do pull off two wins, a playoff place is not guaranteed.
In his search for goals, O'Neill has hinted that he may look to Scott Hogan. Last month, the O'Neill unexpectedly revealed that the Aston Villa striker was in the process of applying for an Irish passport. The possibility that the Salford-born player might declare for Ireland appeared to be dead until that point.
O'Neill said that Hogan's paperwork should be completed in time for October's games. Quoted by the Irish Sun, the Ireland manager also added Hogan could play a part in the games which are just four weeks away. O'Neill also had a word for Seanie Maguire, the former Cork City striker who recently joined Preston.
I think he could be ready for that.
While you like some people like himself and young Maguire to come into the squad and maybe have a little look around for a while, it is asking a lot to go in.
But we’ll see, you never know what the month might bring in terms of players playing a wee bit of extra football at club level, even in the Championship, and maybe just be ready for it.
If Hogan and Maguire do come into the team, there is the matter of creating chances for both of them. Against Georgia, in particular, Shane Long cut a lonely figure up front as he attempted to latch onto numerous long balls, a situation which even an in-his-prime Didier Drogba would have struggled to manipulate to his favour.
