Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Enda gives O’neill an alternative
ENDA STEVENS believes he has given Martin O’neill something to think about after his performance in Denmark on Monday night.
The Sheffield United man earned his sixth cap – on his first competitive start – in Aarhus, showing flashes of his class when bursting forward from his wing-back role.
James Mcclean will be first-choice for that role when he returns from suspension in March, but Stevens has ensured there’s an alternative there should O’neill assess his options.
“It was up to me to take the chance given by the manager and I thought
I did okay,” said the Dubliner.
“Any time I get on the pitch, I’ll do my best and put in as much as I can and hopefully impress the manager and the staff.
“Facing Denmark wasn’t easy. They’ve got some really good players who can pass the ball very well, so it was difficult for us to get up the pitch.”
Stevens, as one of the squad newcomers this year, has his eyes on the Euro 2020 qualification draw. He just hopes the gloom engulfing the squad can be parked as they embark on a new campaign.
“The negativity has been over the top,” he insisted.
“As players, we are so proud to represent our country, coming into camp and working our nuts off.
“That negativity comes from the media, not the supporters, but we’ve reason to be confident heading into the Euro qualifiers in the new year.”