The Republic of Ireland will return to action for the first time in over four months when they take on Belgium in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening, and while there is no permanent manager in place just yet, there is still plenty for supporters to look forward to.
Three players are in line to make their senior international debuts, and with a number of our squad members in top form at the moment, there is the potential to field one of the most exciting Ireland sides we have seen in some time.
Here is the Republic of Ireland team we would go with for the Belgium game.
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Then Republic of Ireland team we want to see vs Belgium
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Stephen Kenny used a three at the back system for the majority of his time in charge, although he would move away from that towards the end of last year. John O'Shea is likely to have his own ideas on how the team should line up, so it will be interesting to see what formation he goes with this month.
We would opt for a 4-2-3-1 system for this fixture, one that seems to suit the most in-form players in the Ireland squad at the moment. The front four is a very exciting one, and while there are some concerns around a couple of positions, the team actually looks like one of our strongest in recent memory.
GK: Caoimhín Kelleher
You would imagine that John O'Shea will give play both Caoimhín Kelleher and Gavin Bazunu this month, although we would like to see the Liverpool man start in the first game considering his recent form.
The Cork native has been sensational since coming in for the injured Alisson Becker at Anfield, turning in a number of man-of-the-match displays. His game has come on in leaps and bounds in recent times and there is now a real discussion to be had about the Republic of Ireland's first choice goalkeeper moving forward.
Kelleher should be given the chance to stake his claim here.
RB: Festy Ebosele
It has not garnered all that much attention among the Irish footballing public, but Festy Ebosele has quietly been putting together a brilliant season in Italy.
The Wexford man has made 27 appearances for Udinese in Serie A, featuring in all but two of their games (one was missed due to suspension). He has largely played as a wingback, and while slotting into a back four would be a challenge for him, it would be interesting to see how Ebosele would cope.
With Seamus Coleman and Matt Doherty both getting on a bit in terms of age, Ireland need a long-term solution in that position.
CB: Nathan Collins
Nathan Collins has had a mixed campaign at Brentford. He has been brilliant at times, although he has also produced a number of individual errors in recent months.
Still, he remains Ireland's best centre back.
As we look towards the next iteration of the Irish team, he looks nailed on to be the leader of that back four. He could even be in line for the captaincy one Seamus Coleman does eventually step aside.
CB: Dara O'Shea
While Burnley have had a nightmare season, Dara O'Shea has still proven his worth at Premier League level. The Dubliner has produced some excellent performances despite his team's struggles, with the £7million paid to sign him last summer looking like a real bargain.
Collins and O'Shea looks like the most likely centre back pairing for Ireland moving forward, although Jake O'Brien also deserves a chance to play this month after his stellar form at Lyon.
LB: Matt Doherty
This is arguably the weakest position in the Ireland squad at the moment.
The absence of Ryan Manning from the squad means that there is no natural left back available for selection. Robbie Brady and Callum O'Dowda are two options for the role, while Liam Scales also would have come under consideration had he not pulled out due to injury.
Matt Doherty would be our choice. His performances have been poor for Ireland in recent times, but his status as a more natural defender gets him the nod, especially with an attacking right back on the opposite flank.
CM: Josh Cullen
Josh Cullen has come back into the Burnley side in recent times after a spell on the sidelines, captaining the team in their last three Premier League games. That should allay any worries about his match fitness, although his form for the Republic of Ireland was quite poor over the latter half of 2023.
Cullen is arguably the most important player in the Irish team, with no other sitting midfielders of his profile available in the squad. He needs to return to his best if Ireland are to improve moving forward, something that might be helped by a change of manager and tactical approach moving forward.
CM: Jason Knight
Finding a midfield partner for Josh Cullen is paramount for Ireland moving forward. They need someone who can provide plenty of legs, also being able to mix astute tactical discipline out of possession with an ability to get forward if needed.
Jason Knight is the closest we have to that at the moment. His international form has been criticised at times, although there is no doubt that he leaves everything out on the pitch every time he pulls on the green jersey.
He has been in excellent form since his move to Bristol City, so it would be interesting to see how he fit into this tactical system.
RW: Chiedozie Ogbene
It has been brilliant to see Chiedozie Ogbene give such a good account of himself in the Premier League this season.
A move to the English top flight came somewhat out of the blue last summer, with many expecting him to join a Championship club or move to the continent after his contract at Rotherham United expired.
He has been a breath of fresh air at Luton in recent months, winning plenty of plaudits for his performances. He comes into this international window in arguably the best form of his career, and considering his past displays for Ireland, that makes for a very exciting prospect.
CF: Sammie Szmodics
There's no reason why Sammie Szmodics should not be brought straight into the Ireland team. For a side that has often lacked goals, bringing in the most prolific goalscorer in the Championship this season seems like a no-brainer.
Szmodics' improvement this season has been phenomenal, moving from a decent Championship player to the standout player in the division. His international debut is long overdue at this point and it will be very interesting to see what he can do at that level.
He could be a massive addition to the squad moving forward.
LW: Mikey Johnston
Mikey Johnston has always performed well for Ireland when given the opportunity, meaning many were confused as to why he was not given more playing time at Celtic.
Since signing for West Brom in January, he has shown what he is all about.
The winger has been nothing short of sensational since moving to the Hawthorns, scoring six goals and registering one assist in ten Championship appearances.
ST: Evan Ferguson
Evan Ferguson is currently in the midst of a long goalless run at club level, although such dips in form are to be expected of a player of his age.
He remains the key man in the Republic of Ireland attack, with the 19-year old sure to be keen to make a mark at international level after his recent struggles at Brighton.
With Ferguson up front and Ogbene, Szmodics, and Johnston operating behind him, Ireland suddenly look like a potentially exciting attacking team. It is a long time since we could say that.
The Team In Full
We feel that this is the strongest Republic of Ireland team available this month and we would be keen to see how they get on against a side of Belgium's quality.
There are sure to be a number of changes made for the Switzerland game, with Jake O'Brien and Finn Azaz likely to make their international debuts at some point.
In any case, that team looks like an exciting one for whoever gets the Ireland job on a permanent basis.
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