Martin O’Neill seems certain to opt for a conservative team selection for Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Austria next Sunday after his experimental three-man defence failed in the friendly defeat by Mexico in New Jersey on Thursday night.
O’Neill consistently and purposely delays naming his starting XI until 90 minutes before kick-off to both prevent information from leaking and keep his squad on edge before crucial matches. In this context, the information provided from sources within the Ireland camp comes with a caveat, namely that O’Neill could change his mind before Sunday. Injuries, which have so far removed Seamus Coleman, Ciaran Clark and James McCarthy from the squad, could also rise.
For now, though, the likeliest starting XI would include Darren Randolph retaining his position as goalkeeper, Cyrus Christie replacing Coleman at right back, Richard Keogh partnering Shane Duffy in central defence, with Stephen Ward keeping his place at left back. A five-man midfield would comprise Jon Walters and James McClean patrolling the flanks, with Glenn Whelan, Jeff Hendrick and Robbie Brady in the central trio. Daryl Murphy is favourite to start up front.
The issue of Coleman’s replacement as captain remains unresolved. One candidate, John O’Shea, was one of nine to join the squad yesterday, along with Keiren Westwood, Brady, Hendrick, Whelan, Harry Arter, Aiden McGeady, Jonny Hayes and Walters. Stephen Gleeson, the goalscorer in the 3-1 defeat by Mexico, has left the panel.
O’Neill has insisted that his team did not travel back across the Atlantic with excess baggage — despite the loss.
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“In terms of confidence, I’m not too bothered,” O’Neill said. “The same may occur against Uruguay [at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow].
“The be all and end all is the Austria game. That’s what I want. I’m not deflated. This is not an act. I always told you how I felt about friendly games.”