Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
A LEFT FIELD CALL IS ON THE CARDS..
PREDICTING a Martin O’neill starting XI is a science in itself.
The Derry man isn’t averse to throwing a curveball – and tonight, it could be Callum O’dowda.
With James Mcclean and Robbie Brady suspended, Ireland’s left side needs a fresh spark from somewhere.
And O’neill is a huge admirer of the 22-year-old who came on against Serbia last month.
“I’ve a lot of faith in him,” said O’neill, who first capped the Bristol City winger in the Belarus friendly just before the Euros.
The 23-man squad for France was finalised that night and O’dowda missed out but O’neill requested that he stick around for the training camp as 24th man.
Yesterday, the Irish boss said: “I brought him into the squad from the U21s and he’s beginning to flourish now.
“It’s good he’s getting more game time at club level which is very, very important. When he comes in, his little bits of training he does with us, he’s always been impressive.
“When we were trying to look for something against Serbia I did put him on and he has definitely improved.
“He’s got a really bright future ahead, both at club level and with us.”
O’dowda has six caps, but just one start and that came in the friendly drubbing by Mexico in New
Jersey in the summer.
Tonight, the key to whether O’dowda starts is where O’neill decides to deploy Jeff Hendrick.
Assuming the back five is Randolph, Christie, Duffy, Clark and Ward, all O’neill’s selection issues are further upfield.
David Meyler looks certain to anchor midfield ahead of Glenn Whelan and fit-again duo Harry Arter and James Mccarthy.
But to accommodate both O’dowda and Wes Hoolahan in the side, Hendrick would need to partner the Hull City man as a deep-lying two. With Jon Walters injured, Aiden Mcgeady – who has two goals in as many games for Sunderland – is a strong contender for the right side.
O’dowda would be a punt on the other flank but you sense O’neill would have no concerns gambling. Hoolahan is expected to play in the hole behind Shane Long (inset).
Daryl Murphy, 34, is in better scoring form than Long right now but, with Wales to come on Monday, O’neill may leave him on the bench until after the hour. Considering how much he was talked up this week, it wouldn’t be a shock if uncapped Aston Villa striker Scott Hogan was catapulted into the mix from the get go.
But the more likely scenario is that he and Preston’s Sean Maguire will be held in reserve for the latter stages.
“I think if they were called upon to start or go in, they will be ready,” said O’neill.