A draw would maintain the positive mood
UP UNTIL 7.45pm on Wednesday, it wouldn’t have been difficult to find an Irish fan willing to wager that the Boys in Green would avoid defeat in Hampden
Park tonight.
But the manner of Scotland’s 3-0 win over of Ukraine in Glasgow has changed the narrative around this game.
Just as Stephen Kenny added a third midfielder when Steve Clarke’s side visited Dublin and duly saw his side reap the benefits with a 3-0 victory, the Scotland boss adapted his line-up against Ukraine to field a flat back four but with added midfield bite.
John McGinn’s front foot presence was backed up by Scott McTominay and Callum McGregor anchoring.
So their battle with Josh Cullen, Jayson Molumby and one of Jason Knight, Troy Parrott or Jeff Hendrick may be where this game is won.
Kenny boasts the superior keeper in Gavin Bazunu, while the Irish defensive five of Matt Doherty, Nathan Collins, Shane Duffy, John Egan and James McClean — or Robbie Brady — also get the nod over their hosts’ rearguard.
Inclusion
However, in attack Scotland have the edge with Che Adams, Ryan Fraser — expected to replace Stuart Armstrong — McGinn and Ryan Christie.
Duffy’s inclusion should not come as a major surprise despite his handful of minutes from the bench for Fulham this season.
The Derryman’s leadership qualities are immense, as is his presence in both boxes.
Duffy (30) brings much more to the party than a late goal threat, with his aggressive style an inspiration.
Doherty offers an attacking threat down the right and Tottenham’s intensive training regime more than makes up for his lack of game time.
If Ireland are to win, they must score at least once — and probably twice.
Knight’s inclusion means that one of Parrott, Michael Obafemi or Chiedozie Ogbene will miss out.
Strong
LOOKING GOOD: Shane Duffy runs through some drills at Hampden Park yesterday
Duffy also has reason to cherish 55: the number of Ireland senior caps that the man mountain from Derry has accumulated over his career.
Critics
By tonight in Hampden Park, he will have moved on to 56 as Stephen Kenny gives him the vote of confidence by selecting the 30-year-old to anchor the Irish defence against a Scotland side buoyed by Wednesday’s 3-0