What will/should Ireland's squad look like by the end of World Cup Qualification

Liam O

I know that we are still a few months away from the Euros but I have been thinking about Ireland's future beyond this for a while. Before the Euros qualification I expected the likes of McCarthy, Coleman and Clark to be first choice by the end and I'm looking for opinions on how we will or should look by the end of the next campaign, obviously with Duff, Keane, Andrews, Given (probably not that big a problem for the next campaign), Dunne and possibly O'Shea starting to feel age catch up with them.

There are plenty of younger players to choose from and it's the most confident I've been in the younger lads for a long time. The aforementioned 3 should definitely find a place. Don't think Trap will do it but Coleman at right back is something that should be explored with McGeady and McClean hopefully playing well enough to cement the wing spots with Duff still around the squad. Dunne could probably still do a job so slot Clark in beside him or maybe play him in central midfield instead of Whelan. Andrews is playing as well as he ever has this season and if he can keep it up I'd keep him in, if not McCarthy has to play imo. Keane is another who may still be able to play to a reasonable standard but if he starts to show signs of decline it would be Long and Walters up front for me with Doyle able to come in for both.

Trap probably wont change formation so something like this:

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Given

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Coleman--Sledge/Clark--Dunne--Ward

McGeady--Whelan/Clark--Andrews/McCarthy--Duff/McClean

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Keane/Walters

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Long/Doyle

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with obviously the likes of O'Shea and Kelly in the squad for defensive cover...

GavRedKing

Will Given, Dunne, Keane Duff all be there for the next campaign though?

All are north of 30 so you never know, may want to prolong their club careers and jack in the International football, hopefully not though.

Liam O

gavredking wrote: »

Will Given, Dunne, Keane Duff all be there for the next campaign though?

All are north of 30 so you never know, may want to prolong their club careers and jack in the International football, hopefully not though.

I don't think they're the type of players to give up a chance at another World Cup tbh...

DB10

Hopefully Duff isn't there anyway. The guys a hero, but hes clearly past it right now never mind in 2 more years. O'Shea as well.

Keane, Given and Dunne are all playing well so keep them on if they want. Dunne will be the biggest loss.

Orando Broom

Just throwing names out

Robbie Brady
Stephen Ireland
Wes Houilhan
Conor Clifford
Enda Stevens
Shane Duffy
Greg Cunningham

_blank_

Wes Hoolahan is not young. Just saying, as there seems to be a perception that he's a youngster just arriving on the scene, when in fact, he's almost 30.

Orando Broom

Des wrote: »

Wes Hoolahan is not young. Just saying, as there seems to be a perception that he's a youngster just arriving on the scene, when in fact, he's almost 30.

Sorry, I wasn't putting up a list of youngsters just possible future players.

I though he was 27-28 myself.

_blank_

30 in may.

Mr. Guappa

Hopefully David Meyler progresses and can become a good player for us. It's too hard to tell at this stage though - six months ago no one would've predicted the impact that McClean has made. Hopefully we see more players emerge with the same impact that he has.

Orando Broom

Mr. Guappa wrote: »

Hopefully David Meyler progresses and can become a good player for us. It's too hard to tell at this stage though - six months ago no one would've predicted the impact that McClean has made. Hopefully we see more players emerge with the same impact that he has.

Good shout.