CRUCIAL COLL

Luton forward to spearhead attack in Tbilisi

MICK McCarthy is set to give James Collins his competitive debut as the Republic of Ireland’s attacking spearhead against Georgia in Tbilisi today (2.0pm Irish time).

The Luton Town striker has emerged as the likely lad to replace the injured David McGoldrick for the crunch Euro 2020 qualifier and to carry on from where he left off against Bulgaria last month.

Collins, 28, scored on his debut and put himself about rugged defenders, to McCarthy’s liking.

‘It’s not only just seeing him (Collins) for half an hour of international football, where I thought he was excellent; it’s when he comes and trains with the lads. He’s fitted in and he looks every bit the international player with us,’ said McCarthy.

‘He’s as mentally strong as any of the others that have been up front. He’s been around a long time, coming from Aston Villa, then going out to Shrewsbury, then he was up in Scotland, and he’s scored goals wherever he’s been.

‘That shows a huge amount of dedication, hard

work and mental strength to keep going, and to get his cap and his first goal, was brilliant for him. If I decide to pick James, I’ve no worries about him.’ With James McClean fit to start on the left flank after a stiff back, teenager Aaron Connolly is likely to be held off from the front-line, although McCarthy may turn to him if Ireland are chasing the game. ‘People are pushing for Aaron Connolly to make a start and he hasn’t had any international football at all and hasn’t been in the squad up until now,’ he said. McCarthy stopped short of agreeing with former defender Richard Dunne that Connolly might be the next Robbie Keane. ‘I will wait and see him have a few games and see how he does. I would love to be comparing him to Robbie at some stage but I’m not going to start that now.’ At left-back, Derrick Williams and Matt Doherty are jostling to replace the suspended Enda Stevens. ‘I’ve been impressed with Derrick Williams coming in, he’s trained exceptionally well. But Matt Doherty can play in either full-back position, so it’s nice to have a few options,’ added McCarthy. Ireland hold the high ground in Group D and could open up a fourpoint gap with a victory here, coupled with a draw between Denmark and Switzerland in Copenhagen. ‘The amount of times I’ve been asked what results would I like,’ said McCarthy. ‘Well, to win here would suit me fine. That’s what I’d like and then we can prepare for Switzerland.’