The transfer window allows out of favour/young players a chance to secure a move away from their clubs onto greener pastures, whether it be permanently or temporarily. Some Irish players have struggled for game time so far this season. The reopening of the transfer window in January may lead to first team opportunities for those players, dependant on the right move.

Players will have a month to secure a move with the window closing again at the end of the January.

In a window that is sure to see movement between clubs, here are some Irish players which may benefit:

JAYSON MOLUMBY – BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION

After his impressive loan spell at Millwall last season, many expected Jayson Molumby to take up a role as squad player at Brighton. So far, that’s not been the case.

The midfielder has received limited first team minutes for his club this season. His appearances have mainly come in cup competitions, with just one appearance off the bench in the Premier League.

At international level, things have been more positive for Molumby. He made his debut in September and has since gone on to earn 5 caps. It will, however, be difficult for him to solidify himself as a starter for Ireland without first team minutes under his belt.

A loan move would be perfect for Molumby at this stage of his development. Another move to the Championship may be beneficial for the Waterford man.

Millwall were rumoured to be interested in taking him for a second loan spell at the beginning of the season however nothing materialized. Perhaps a move to the Lions in January is on the horizon?

RYAN MANNING – SWANSEA

Although Manning only moved to Swansea in October, he may well be vying for a move in January. The left back has only made 3 appearances since joining the Swans having left QPR – where he was a regular starter – over an apparent dispute over wages.

Manning had arguably his best season yet during 2019-20, playing a part in 41 Championship games and registering a number of goal contributions. He was linked with a number of Premier League clubs, but Swansea captured his signature in the end. A move which Manning is likely regretting.

He looks unlikely to displace current starting left back Jake Bidwell as it stands, meaning a move away from the club may be needed.

Swansea are unlikely to let Manning go for less than they paid for him – £2.16 million – meaning suitors may be limited. A loan move could be a possibility; however Swansea may want to keep him at the club as a backup option.

Either way, it’s clear that Manning needs improved playing time.

MICHAEL OBAFEMI – SOUTHAMPTON

Michael Obafemi’s omission from recent Ireland squads have upset certain sections of the Irish support, particularly given the limited striking options.

The Southampton academy graduate had his best season to date last term, netting against both Manchester United and Chelsea. However, this season he’s struggled for playing time in the first team. In fact, he has played just 13 minutes of Premier League football this season.

His minutes aren’t likely to change anytime soon, either. Southampton are in exceedingly good form, meaning Obafemi is unlikely to displace their current starting strikers.

His lack of playing time at club level will do him no favours in terms of making his way into future international squads.

A loan move to a Championship or lower Premier League club may be just what Obafemi needs at this stage. Southampton obviously see a future for the striker so a permanent transfer away seems unlikely.

SHANE LONG – SOUTHAMPTON

Shane Long is another Southampton striker in need of first team opportunities. Once one of Ireland’s best players, Long’s status has dropped over the years due to his decreased playtime.

At 33 years of age, Long is in/approaching the twilight of his career. He has been a great servant to Southampton over the years, but it may be time for a move.

Long hasn’t been included in an Ireland squad since October despite being one of the most experienced players available.

A transfer would be ideal for the Tipperary man. A host of Championship or lower Premier Division clubs should be lining up for the services of long.

Long played for West Brom for 3 years at the start of the decade and there’s every chance they could make a move for the striker in January. His Premier League experience could be just what the club need to avoid relegation.

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It’s not been an easy ride for Stephen Kenny so far. Still to manage a win, Kenny’s Ireland record as it stands includes three draws and one loss. Injuries, suspensions and other factors haven’t done any favours for the Ireland manager in what has been a substandard start to his managerial reign. He has shown signs of promise, with impressive performances – despite the results – against both Slovakia and Wales.

Kenny will be hoping he can turn those performances into results by ending his winless run with a win against Finland in Helsinki today. However, it will be no easy challenge as Kenny’s side suffered a 1-0 loss against Finland in what was his first game in charge. Finland also won their previous Nations League match against Bulgaria so their camp will be full of confidence going into today’s game.

Finland find themselves in 2^nd on six points while Ireland are 3^rd with just two points to their name. Promotion from league B to league A looks unlikely at this stage for the Republic of Ireland, but good results in their final three group games would mean not getting dragged into a relegation battle. Finland are still very much in the promotion picture. A win against the Finns could be the catalyst Ireland need to finish off the Nations League campaign early.

Tomorrow | #COYBIG | #FINIRL pic.twitter.com/UbXLNiS9v4

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) OCTOBER 13, 2020 

Both teams play a similar style of football, pressing high up the pitch and playing high tempo passing football so it should be an entertaining watch, for the neutral at least.

Here is all the information you need to know about today’s fixture:

Team News

Ireland

Ireland are going into this match with an entirely different squad than what was announced initially. Between injuries and illness, Ireland can count themselves unlucky to be in the position they currently find themselves in. Several key players are missing from the squad – including Seamus Coleman, David McGoldrick and John Egan. Kenny was however handed a significant boost earlier this week as Adam Idah and Aaron Connolly were both passed fit to play, having been previously unavailable due to coronavirus concerns.

Ireland may need to rely on some of their young talent, something which Kenny’s predecessors have often failed to do. The average age of the Ireland squad available for selection is 25.5 years. This is much younger than it has been in the past. Irish fans will be hoping youth trumps experience as just four players in the squad have upwards of twenty caps.

Suspensions: James McClean

Injuries: James McCarthy + another unnamed player (covid-19)

Predicted line-up:

Finland

Finland, unlike Ireland, should have a full squad available. There are no significant injuries or suspensions within the Finland camp, meaning they’ll be at full strength come this evening.

Daniel O’Shaughnessy will be hoping to start against his ancestral homeland for the second time, having previously played Ireland earlier in the Nations League campaign. His father hails from Galway given his Irish sounding name but he’s a proud Finn, having represented his country from u15 level onwards. Another player Ireland will have to keep an eye on is Teemu Pukki, who will likely start up top for Finland.

Suspensions: None

Injuries: None

Predicated line-up:

Finland vs. Ireland Prediction

Like the first encounter between the two nations, this will likely be a hard-fought affair. Finland will probably fancy their chances given the outcome of the previous game but Ireland will be no pushovers, they’ll be desperate to turn their fortunes around after a miserable campaign so far.

Finland are in better form than Ireland having won four of their last six competitive game – including a 1-0 victory over the aforementioned opponents – but Kenny appears to be finding his feet with performances improving game by game. There have been considerable improvements made since the first meeting between the two sides and Irish fans will be hoping for a much better performance than last time.

Our prediction for the game is:

Ireland 1 – 0 Finland

For those looking for further information:

Where is the match being played?

The match is being played in Finland’s home ground, the Helsinki Olympic stadium. This will be the Republic of Ireland’s third time visiting the stadium, having previously played there in 1949 and 2002.

When is the match being played?

It is being played on the 14^th of October. The match will kick off at 5 p.m. Irish standard time.

Is it being televised?

Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Football will have coverage of the event. The match will not be free to air on Irish television. Virgin Media Two will have highlights of the match at 10 p.m. with full coverage of the match to follow at 11 p.m.

Viewers in the United States can also catch the game on ESPN+.

Where can the match be streamed?

Viewers can also stream the match through NOW TV’s Sky Sports Pass. The service can be purchased for one day for €11 or customers can purchase a month pass for €37.

The post Preview – Republic of Ireland vs. Finland appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Stephen Kenny’s reign had not gone to plan prior to facing Wales. Having failed to pick up a win against Finland, Bulgaria and Slovakia, some Irish fans had begun doubting his credentials already.  Kenny was afforded no favours after no less than 5 players were sidelined due to a positive test in the Irish camp. Combine this with the other 4 players out of contention and Ireland would have a matchday squad of just 18 players. The circumstances surrounding the Ireland camp and Aaron Ramsey’s return meant that Wales were the firm bookies favourite. Despite this, Ireland produced an impressive performance in which they controlled possession and produced some tidy attacking moves.

Although it was 0-0, it wasn’t a drab affair. Both teams played good football at times without creating too many chances. Stephen Kenny will no doubt be pleased by the performance, especially given the circumstances surrounding the match.

As things stand, Kenny’s men are currently third in the Nations League table, but a win for Bulgaria against Finland would push Ireland to the bottom of the table. The campaign is far from over with three further games still yet to be played, though. It looks like Wales will finish as group winners, but Ireland could still finish in a respectable position given results go their way. They will be hoping to close out the international break with a win against Finland on Wednesday.

Here are our player ratings from tonight’s performance:

IRISH PLAYER RATINGS

DARREN RANDOLPH – 7

Randolph produced a solid display as usual. He was stagnant for the most part as Ireland contained Wales and kept possession comfortably, but when he was needed, he delivered.

He produced a good save on 26 minutes to keep the score at 0-0 but otherwise had very little to do in the first half. He had Irish fans holding their breath at one stage as he dropped the ball after collecting from a corner. Fortunately though, he received a free kick after a collision with Ethan Ampadu. He had little to do in the second half as Ireland continued to control the flow of the game, only making one save from a David Brooks attempt.

MATT DOHERTY – 8

Doherty slotted in at right back to start the game, but just after 20 minutes he would assume the unfamiliar role of centre back. He made a couple positive runs without reward before he was forced into changing position.

He led by example at centre back despite not being natural in the position. He made some important challenges to regain possession and his positional play was up to the mark as he held a good line with the rest of the back four. He swept up several opposition passes and disrupted Welsh attacking moves with ease.

This was arguably Doherty’s best performance in an Ireland shirt and he will have certainly impressed Stephen Kenny after a poor showing against Slovakia.

SHANE DUFFY – 7

Duffy produced another good display at the back which has become the norm over recent years. He consistently provided a problem at set pieces in the first half as he looked to latch onto Robbie Brady’s deliveries.

He was reassured defensively throughout. He made a crucial defensive header towards the end of the match after a quality Welsh cross. Other than a few misplaced passes, Duffy was once again colossal at the back.

KEVIN LONG – 6

It was over a year since Long had played a match for Ireland before today, but his appearance was to be short lived. He was taken off 24 minutes into the game as he sustained a nasty swell above his left eye after an accidental elbow from Welsh target man, Kieffer Moore. Long will be disappointed to have been forced off early but he certainly made an impression while on the pitch. He proved to be very comfortable on the ball and won all of his 50/50s before his unfortunate injury.

ENDA STEVENS – 7

Stevens had a quiet game for the most part. He was good defensively but didn’t provide much in terms of going forward for the majority of the match.

He did however create the best chance of the game with a looping cross into Shane Long, which the latter unfortunately missed.

CONOR HOURIHANE – 6

Hourihane put in a solid performance in the middle of the park without being outstanding. He was accurate in his passing and switched play well at times, but he assumed a deeper role in the absence of James McCarthy. He often collected the ball in his own half instead of operating further up the pitch.

He delivered an excellent ball into the box from a set piece towards the end of the first half but failed to provide a threat in the second 45.

JAYSON MOLUMBY – 7

Jayson Molumby came in for James McCarthy in what was his second senior international appearance. He took his opportunity well in what was a tireless display before he was subbed off towards the end of the match.

He carried the ball well on several occasions and recycled the ball with efficiency. Although he wasn’t as involved in the second half, but still managed to provide much needed energy in midfield. He often dropped deep when defending and provided reliable cover for Cyrus Christie at right back. He’s certainly one for the future.

JEFF HENDRICK – 7

Jeff Hendrick started the match in an advanced midfield position, leaving Molumby and Hourihane to drop deep and do the dirty work.

He had a quiet first half and failed to influence proceeding, often playing sideways or backwards passes. He was more positive in the second half, playing a more progressive game by carrying the ball and looking for forward passes. He was involved in some impressive attacking sequences and can be happy with his second half performance, even if his attempts didn’t always come off.

ROBBIE BRADY – 7

Brady appears to be back to his best for Ireland after a frustrating few years with injuries. He came in on the right wing after Callum Robinson had been sidelined and he has every reason to be happy with his performance.

He was particularly excellent in the first half, consistently threatening the Welsh defence in open play and dead ball situations. He had one of Ireland’s best chances of the game after being gifted the ball from a misplaced pass before striking wide with inches separating the ball and the net.

After his brilliant first half display, Brady was quiet in the second half and was subbed off with 73 minutes played.

JAMES MCCLEAN – 5

James McClean started his second Ireland game in a row on the left after Aaron Connolly remained out of action.

He had a relatively quiet game before being sent off in the 82^nd minute for a rash challenge which earned him a second yellow card.

SHANE LONG – 5

Shane Long received a rare start for Ireland after David McGoldrick was sidelined.

Always a willing runner, Long was impressive at times in his pressing of the Welsh backline. He failed to impress in front of goal, however, missing the best chance of the game after a precise cross from Enda Stevens.

He was very quiet before being replaced by Sean Maguire on 73 minutes.

SUBS

CYRUS CHRISTIE – 7

A third choice right back for the national team these days, Christie made a rare appearance after being subbed on for the injured Kevin Long.

He gradually got better as the game progressed. After an unimpressive first half, Christie played well in the second. He was assured defensively without providing much threat going forward. He made one brilliant interception which would eventually lead to an Ireland chance. Overall, it was solid performance from the man on loan at Nottingham Forest.

DARYL HORGAN – 6

After coming on for Robbie Brady in the 73^rd minute, Horgan had one of the best chances of the game. He met a James McClean cross with his head which bounced off a Welsh defender into Horgan’s feet, but he blasted over the crossbar at the second opportunity. He carried the ball fairly well at times but failed to create any chances.

SEAN MAGUIRE – 6

Maguire came on for Shane Long in the 73^rd minute to try and make his mark on the game. He showed a series of tidy touches towards the end of the match and produced a line breaking pass into Daryl Horgan’s feet, but the latter failed to capitalize. Otherwise, it was a quiet cameo by the Preston man.

JOSH CULLEN – N/A

Cullen didn’t have enough time on the pitch to make an impact.

MAN OF THE MATCH – MATT DOHERTY

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