Sean: Irish quality will take them to Russia
SEAN ST LEDGER insists Ireland can dream of World Cup and European Championship qualification DESPITE their crisis at club level.
Only two of Martin O’Neill’s likely starting team for next Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Austria were guaranteed their place with Premier League clubs last season – Burnley’s Stephen Ward and Bournemouth’s Harry Arter.
Among the rest, Glenn Whelan played in 26 of Stoke’s 38 games in the Premier League while West Ham used keeper Darren Randolph as their No.1 for long periods of the season.
But St Ledger – who never made it to the Premier League but was a mainstay in the Ireland side from 2008 to 2012 – says they can earn World Cup glory with a team of Championship gems and Premier League cast-offs.
He said: “I’m more than confident we can get to Russia next year.
“The momentum is with Ireland. The players we have are good enough.
“Not having regular Premier League players does not worry me. The Championship is a tough league.
“People are also harping on about the fact we have an old team but age is just a number.
“People might want the new generation to come through at 20 or 21 but look at Wes Hoolahan.
“He’s a fantastic player but the majority of his caps have come in his 30s.
“Martin O’Neill has been smart, bringing in a lot of new players from time to time and that keeps everyone on their toes. Nobody takes anything for granted.
“Under Trapattoni, you knew what the squad was going to be and sometimes you took things for granted. So what Martin does by bringing new players in is a test. It keeps guys focused.”
This World Cup campaign is tough, though, with a group containing Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales plus big hitters Austria and Serbia.
But Ireland know they can kill Austria’s chances of qualification by beating them on Sunday at The Aviva.
St Ledger, who is currently without a club, said: “Momentum is important but that’s easier said than done with the gap between games.
“This will be tough next week. Austria are a fantastic team. David Alaba is an unbelievably talented player but we are good at home and have never lost here in a competitive game under Martin.”