HOOLAHAN CAN UNLOCK MOLDOVANS

MOLDOVA is not a must win game, it should be a will win encounter.

In some ways this is a tougher game for an Ireland team because they go into it as favourites, rather than as underdogs.

It suits us when expectations aren’t so high as Martin O’Neill’s team have thrived on it and produced their best performances and results in such circumstances.

Moldova lost heavily to Serbia on Thursday night, so they are hardly in high spirits themselves. Although, no one they will have been heartened by the video of Ireland’s performance against Georgia.

With Jeff Hendrick suspended, the door is open for Glenn Whelan to return in a diamond, leaving a choice between James McCarthy and Wes Hoolahan to play the advanced role.

McCarthy (above) could play further forward. He struggled against the Georgians when he appeared to be nervous from the start and looked like a player who is lacking in confidence.

When a player is not playing regularly, they often opt for the safe option in possession so as not to make a mistake. McCarthy is not alone in needing to have the courage to play and express himself.

Hoolahan, of course, brings something different to the team and can create the openings we need.

More importantly, he can dictate the tempo of the game and Ireland need to ensure Moldova do not take the initiative in the early stages as it may become difficult to break them down subsequently.

But taking Hoolahan off the bench means that we lose the ability to bring on a player who can change the game as a substitute.