League of Ireland talent Burke backs himself on the international scene
TOWARDS the end of Monday night’s friendly defeat to France, the Republic of Ireland were awarded a free-kick in bonus territory, routinely the most probable route to goal for a Martin O’Neill outfit these days.
James McClean (below) stepped up to the mark but, given his conversion rate, there was more likelihood of the lingering lightning in the sodden Parisian air striking him than there was of him striking on goal.
The shot arrowed predictably wide.
Many wondered what might have transpired had Graham Burke taken it instead or, indeed, what would the harm have been had he done so, particularly given his obvious technique.
“I got a bit bullied there I did,” the debutant laughed; his inner confidence masking the fact he may only be half-joking.
“I think I was going to turn around and say, ‘Here James, I’m going to take this.’ I would have fancied my chances.”
Perhaps he should have. He will get another chance though, even if the Shamrock Rovers’ contingent might rightfully grumble about his absence from tonight’s battle with Dundalk.
It would be trite to say the international team suits him, for it does not; Burke’s composure and poise are often anathema to an O’Neill side whose contempt of possession at times seems almost ingrained.
Still, he must start against the United States tomorrow, if only to be interrupt the bleak menu of so many tired and tested. Mercifully, and with just enough of an element of swagger, Burke, whose opening pass in international football characterised him, insists he will not change the way he plays.
“I can’t change,” said the 24-year-old, re-establishing himself at home after a nomadic few years in England’s lower leagues.
“I’m not going to come in and go away from my identity as a player. I’m a technical player, so I’m not going to just start kicking it or being a different sort of player. I’ll play my usual game.”
Music to the ears of those used to the discordant rhyme of an international side whose pleas for the poverty of their football remain as recurring as a broken record. Time to play a new tune.
“I back my ability,” he stressed. “I can play. I think I can play at this level.”
The received wisdom is that he must return to England, where he failed, instead of staying in the League of Ireland, where he has thrived.
Perhaps he can buck the trend.
THEY are the three Northern Ireland midfield musketeers in Central America. A former Manchester United triumvirate with an attitude of all for one and one for all.
Led into battle by versatile skipper and makeshift midfielder Jonny Evans, brother Corry and Paddy McNair are preparing for yet another bruising battle against Costa Rica.
Against Panama on Wednesday at Estadio Rommel Fernandez during the 0-0 draw, it may have been billed as a festival of fun to say farewell to Los Canaleros, but Evans knew, having played with numerous Latin American players throughout his career, that the Panamanians would bring an aggressive edge to proceedings.
So it transpired, especially when he was the victim of a crude, late challenge by Anibal Godoy during the first half. A strong referee was required to clamp down on proceedings and issue yellow cards when deserved, but instead Costa Rica official Henry Bejarano chose to be extra lenient.
Evans doesn’t expect any extra protection during matches on foreign climes but would like the referee to punish foul play so it acts as a deterrent during Sunday’s game in San Jose.
Panama will take part in their first World Cup this month in Russia and their fans are excited at the prospect of taking on Belgium, England and Tunisia, but Evans hopes their experience isn’t tarnished by a lack of discipline.
“We expected a physical battle,” admitted Evans, who is set to win his 70th cap in San Jose.
“The Latin style is different to the European style and the way they referee, they do like to have a physical game. I’ve played with a few Latin players during my time and they all like to play a physical game.
“I played with the Da Silva brothers, Rafael and Fabio, from Brazil at Man United, along with Claudio Yacob at West Brom. They are always quite strong in the tackle.
“But all of us found it quite strange the way he refereed the game. I don’t think he wanted to do anything. It was their farewell match and also a friendly, so I don’t think he wanted to dish out yellows.”
This Central American tour is the first time Evans has played in midfield for his country, although he has appeared in that position for West Brom.
But with regular captain Steven Davis, Ollie Norwood and George Saville unavailable, Evans has taken a leading role in the middle of the park.
“I’ve not played in midfield a lot,” confirmed the 30-year-old, who is in demand this summer for a return to the Premier League following the Baggies’ relegation.
“It was nice and a different experience for me. I haven’t actually played a lot of football during the last three months, so I found the game in Panama very difficult physically and then with the heat. The second