We should pull like the divil...

Was the Scottish goal in the recent Ireland vs Scotland Euro qualifier clash down to poor communication about the space that opened up that Scotland exploited? Should all our defenders be shouting when they see a hint of space opening up like that?

Is blocking and urgent communication part of the identikit that is Irish soccer? It was when Mick McCarthy and Paul McGrath played.

When a hurling full-back asked Richie Bennis how he was to conduct himself in the square, the instruction came back that he was to pull like a divil. Presumably, he meant on any loose ball. I’m not suggesting foul play – it just highlights how hot and heavy it can get in the square.

Players who have played soccer for Ireland have also played hurling. Do we put in hot and heavy crosses for opposition defences to get all shook up about? In fact, are most of our aerial crosses low percentage? I watch less soccer these days. The last time I vividly recall a winger racing down the wing to put in a cross that was headed home was when French player Dominique Rocheteau crossed for Bernard Lacombe in a World Cup. That was 1978.

We need to define what Irish soccer is,, drawing on all of Irish sport and its history.

P Dillon

Address with Editor