Martin O'Neill today announced a 34-man squad for the two-legged World cup playoff against Denmark, with Paul McShane among the notable inclusions, while Jon Walters' name was conspicuous by its absence. Here are some of the talking points as focus is sharpened ahead of the playoffs.
Jon Walters is not ruled out of contention just yet...
While Walters has not been included in this squad, there remains a slim possibility that he will feature against Denmark. O'Neill said that he has been "making very good progress" in his recovery from a knee injury that has kept him out of action since August. It had been rumoured that Walters would be out until Christmas, but it looks like he will return to action earlier than that. O'Neill speculated that he "will see what the next ten days might bring".
...and Seamus Coleman is edging toward a comeback
Coleman continues to recuperate from the hideous leg break sustained against Wales, so much so that there had been whisperings that he might be ready to play some part in the playoffs. Such hopes are premature, but O'Neill did say that these fixtures against Denmark been fixed for a month from now, Coleman could well have made it. His return edges ever closer.
Midfield options
David Meyler will miss the first leg in Copenhagen through suspension, meaning there will be some change in the Irish midfield from the win in Cardiff. James McCarthy is included in the squad - O'Neill was at last night's League Cup game between Everton and Chelsea, of which McCarthy played an hour - and reported that McCarthy is feeling no ill-effects after his first senior start of the season. Preston's Alan Browne has been included, too, with O'Neill praising his "strong running" and attitude while admitting that there are a couple of players ahead in the pecking order.
McCarthy may be jostling for inclusion, although don't rule out Glenn Whelan, who made a substitute appearance in Cardiff.
First leg tactics
As you may have suspected, it won't exactly be a freewheeling Irish performance in Copenhagen, with Martin O'Neill admitting that the game plan is to "return to Dublin still in the competition". While admitting that he is pleased to have the second leg at home, he did sound a note of caution about the number of players treading yellow peril ahead of the second leg.
Ireland have fully 12 players on yellow cards ahead of the game, meaning if any of Darren Randolph, Ciaran Clark, James McClean, Daryl Murphy, Harry Arter, Shane Long, Cyrus Christie, Aiden McGeady, Shane Duffy, Jon Walters, Stephen Ward, and Glenn Whelan get booked in Copenhagen, they will miss the return leg.
This is a concern for Denmark too, who have ten players in similar trouble: Christian Eriksen among them.
Martin O'Neill's comedy corner
O'Neill's wit is dry to the point of barren, but after the experience of Giovanni Trapattoni press conferences, it's fair to say we are glad for whatever humour is going. O'Neill caused murmurings of laughter with an aside about his "67-man" provisional squads and also detailed some of the comedy that goes on behind closed doors at Abbottstown.
They have a lad called Delaney who is an exceptionally good player. I think John is claiming responsibility for him. When I mentioned him to John he said he had to be very good because he's Delaney.
See Also: Martin O'Neill Names A 34 Man Squad For Ireland's World Cup Playoff With Denmark
