Brady role could be a minor part

ROBBIE BRADY could miss out on a starting role in this evening’s opening Euro 2020 qualifier.

On his day, the Burnley midfielder is one of the most creative sparks in this Ireland team.

But he struggled to hit the heights he set at Euro 2016 before his serious knee injury in December 2017.

And while he has been back in action since October, the 27-year-old has made just 14 appearances this season.

He hasn’t started a game since January and comes into this one on the back of five substitute appearances in six games.

Mick Mccarthy said last night: “He’s fit enough to be here and contribute but he’s not been starting many games.”

While Brady has been used as a left-back, Mccarthy has no plans to play him there in this campaign and views him as an attacking midfielder.

“I’ve no intention of playing someone so far out of their natural position that it will confuse them.”

With Mccarthy hinting that Brady’s lack of minutes will count against him, Conor Hourihane could be a live contender for a central role alongside Jeff Hendrick.

Veteran Glenn Whelan and Harry Arter are also in the mix but Whelan may be held in reserve for Tuesday’s home clash against Georgia. Seamus Coleman will captain the team in a defence that sees Darren Randolph in goal with Shane Duffy partnered with John Egan or Richard Keogh at centre-back and Enda Stevens at left back.