CURVE BALL OR TWO IN FINAL 11

PREDICTING a Martin O’neill team is a science in itself. But getting one right is a miracle.

The Ireland manager will without fail throw a curve ball into his starting XI that few will have seen coming.

Against Denmark tonight it promises to be no different as all 26 players in the squad are fit and available.

Shane Long (inset) trained yesterday for the second day running having sat out two sessions this week with an ankle injury.

And despite having failed to score for Ireland in two years – his last came in a

3-1 win away to Moldova – his experience should secure a start.

What else do we know? Darren Randolph is nailed on in goal, as is Shane Duffy in defence.

Jeff Hendrick accompanied O’neill to yesterday’s press conference and the manager said he would start, but not necessarily wear the armband.

James Mcclean will also get the nod – and could be skipper with Seamus Coleman ruled out – but where is the question?

Further experimentation with 3-5-2 is expected and don’t rule out Mcclean slotting in at left wing-back.

But Enda Stevens is playing in that position regularly for Championship leaders Sheffield United and will have something to say about it.

Matt Doherty deserves a competitive cap. He’s in sensational form for Wolves and with Coleman crocked, there is no time like the present.

Who partners Duffy, in an anticipated back three? Ciaran Clark had a meltdown in Wales so others merit a look.

Kevin Long isn’t getting much of a run at Burnley, but did sign a new deal and the smart money is on the Corkman getting the nod.

John Egan, with just three caps, could be the curve ball as third centreback, not least as he is thriving in that position for Sheffield United.

Derby stalwart Richard Keogh – who tends to captain the side on his rare outings – has never let O’neill down.

Expect Harry Arter to start in a midfield three with Hendrick and Callum O’dowda who may just pip Shaun Williams to a start despite his impressive showing in Poland.

Up front, Callum Robinson may play off Long as he has five goals in his last eight games for a struggling Preston side.