Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
The byes in green a big worry
MARTIN O’NEILL is expecting an ‘exodus’ from the Republic of Ireland squad once this World Cup qualifying campaign runs its course.
But the boss – who may yet be facing into his final two games in charge – is determined to prolong the retirements for a little bit longer.
John O’shea (36), Wes Hoolahan (35), Jonathan Walters (34), Daryl Murphy (34) and Glenn Whelan (33) may decide to bow out ahead of Euro 2020 qualifying.
O’neill said: “It’s just a natural progression that one or two will probably end up calling it a day but I’m hoping it’s not tomorrow or Monday.”
Walters could already have played his last game in green as he is injured for tomorrow’s clash with Moldova and Monday’s game in Wales.
“There was talk after the Euros that one or two might drop away and, of course, age catches up with you. I think there would be a natural exodus.”
But O’neill insists all the focus is on prolonging the
World Cup run for as long as possible – starting tomorrow with a win over the Group D minnows.
The Irish boss said: “This is such an important game for us. We’re minus a couple of players like Walters and the two lads (Brady and Mcclean) are suspended.” O’neill and assistant boss Roy Keane are out of contract with Ireland when this campaign ends.