This is Trapattoni’s last chance to experiment before the big games with Sweden and Austria, and we look at what team we would like to see Trapattoni line out for tomorrow’s encounter.
Ireland are 7/5 to beat Poland with Boylesports.com
Undoubtedly there is disappointment among the Irish fans that they will not get the opportunity to see Anthony Pilkington pull on the green jersey due to the injury he picked up at the weekend. Trapattoni names his starting line-up for tomorrow’s friendly with Poland at 2pm this afternoon and we are eager to see where the five un-capped players will fit in to Traps team.
Republic of Ireland team to play Poland: Forde; McShane, O’Shea, Clark Cunningham; Brady, McCarthy, Whelan, McClean, Long, Sammon.
The team we think he should have picked.
Goalkeeper
Keiren Westwood- Although not playing first team football, Westwood looks to be the best man to put between the posts. There have been rumours that David Forde might get the number one shirt, but Westwood has never let us down when he had to step in for key games and should be sided with to fill Shay Given’s boots tomorrow.
Defence
Richard Keogh (Right Back)- 26 year old Richard Keogh seems to be the obvious option for tomorrows friendly. He has been impressive at club level and he deserves the opportunity tomorrow. Seamus Coleman will be the best option for the right back position come the big games, but in his absence Richard Keogh can show what versatility we have in that position.
Ciaran Clark (Central)- Clark looks to be a man who deserves to be permanent fixture on the Irish panel. He has been getting plenty of game time for Aston Villa this season and tomorrow if impressing on his fourth cap could well Traps trust just in time for the major games coming up. Once Richard Dunne returns his place will clearly be in jeopardy but tomorrow is his chance to prove to Trap he is a secure back up plan in defence.
John O’Shea (Central)- He could be Ireland most experienced player on the pitch tomorrow and I am sure he will be named in the starting eleven to bring security and experience to the Irish defence .
Greg Cunningham (Left Back)- This is a good opportunity to learn about the young man. Ireland are lacking in the position and Trap should play Cunningham to learn about his options in the role.
Midfield
Robbie Brady (Right Wing)- Previously named Irelands U21 player of the year, Brady has switched from Manchester United to Hull to try get more game time. He is an exciting player and should be developed in this position at international level as undoubtedly he is one of our best future prospects.
James McCarthy (Centre)- Arguably our best player it is time we showed commitment to the Wigan star as he is developing in to an excellent player. He is one of the few players Ireland possess who is featuring week in, week out in the Premier League. McCarthy will undoubtedly be crucial in a major games coming up.
Wes Hoolahan (Attacking Midfielder)- This is the man that many Irish supporters have been crying out for. Hoolahan has been impressive this season for Norwich. He does an excellent of linking the midfield with the attack and deserves to cement his position in the Irish panel. Glen Whelan will certainly be battling for a mid-field role the major games but tomorrow it is worth trying out Hoolahan playing off the front men.
James McClean (Left Wing)- The Sunderland man is a great option to have in the left wing. He is sure to go forward and to create opportunities.
Forward
Shane Long- Clearly one of the most talented front men we have and come the big games there could be pressure to deliver. Tomorrow will give him the opportunity to link with Jon Walters upfront as Long is use to playing up front on his own at club level.
Jon Walters- Deserves this opportunity in the absence of Robbie Keane. Walters in a talented sort and with doubt he will do his best to battle for his place in the starting eleven for the big games.
Subs to watch out for:
Jeff Hendrick is sure to make an appearance in mid field and Conor Sammon will also surely play a part.
