McCarthy praises Irish fans

MICK McCar thy was reminded of reaching the World Cup as the Republic of Ireland fought back to snatch a Euro 2020 qualifying draw with Switzerland.

McCarthy, who went to Italy in 1990 as a player under Jack Charlton and was in charge when Ireland made it to the Far East 1 2 y e a r s l a t e r, experienced a similar elation when David McGoldrick struck late to grab a point from a 1-1 draw in Dublin last night.

He said: “The atmosphere was fabulous. When the goal went in, it was like the days of old, Jack’s days, my days in qualifying for the World Cup.

“The atmosphere was fabulous and I’d like to thank the fans for that.”

Ireland remain unbeaten and top of Group D with 11 points, three clear of Denmark, who have played a game fewer, and six better off than the Swiss who have two in hand.

However, they will head into next month’s on-theroad double-header in Georgia and Switzerland buoyed by the point. DUNDEE United will make changes from their triumphant derby line-up for tomorrow’s Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup clash with Arbroath at Tannadice.

However, there will still be plenty experience in the Tangerines’ line-up and the mission will be the unchanged from recent league outings – to come away with a victory.

In the past couple of seasons United have used this competition to give many of their youth squad experience of top-team action.

While, however, several of their usual league starters will be given a day off tomorrow, the selection for this third-round tie will come from the first-team squad.

That means the likes of back-up goalie Deniz Mehmet and attacker Cammy Smith, who’ve spent most of their time on the bench during the first month-and-a-half of the season, are expecting to be handed starting places.

“There are a few bumps and bruises from last Friday night so we will be cautious on that,” said assistant boss Gordon Forrest.

“As it gets later in the week, we’re getting a clearer picture over possible changes but we will go into the game focused.”

The management team are also well aware this is a chance to keep fringe players match fit and reward some of them who’ve been working hard in training despite being out of the team right now.

“We have a large squad that we want to try to look at. We want to keep pushing people forward to provide competition,” added Forrest.

“Guys who haven’t been playing have been fantastic when they come off the bench.

“Nicky Clark has been starting but came off the bench last week and was excellent while Cammy Smith came on, scored and had another chance. Ian Harkes also came on and performed, so it is great.

“They have to keep that hunger and desire, those levels up. They have been working really hard and deserve to play but it has been difficult because the other lads have been performing to a high level.