Shiels can cap it all with recall for road to France
DEAN SHIELS c ould s ecure a potentially career-defining spin-off if he strengthens his place within Mark Warburton’s plans at Rangers. The 30-year-old midfielder admits he is anxious to e nd a period of international exile and return to a Northern Ireland squad seemingly on its way to Euro 2016.
Depending on other results, six points against the Faroe Islands and Hungary could be enough to see Michael O’Neill’s men book their place in France as early as next month.
That prospect provides a very potent additional incentive for Shiels as he seeks to make a consistent impact at Ibrox over the coming months.
He was a regular component in O’Neill’s early squads but f aded f rom the international scene as his appearances at club level became more limited. In both spheres, it has been a story of frustration.
Now, though, Shiels — who scored the clinching goal i n the 3- 1 opening Championship success against St Mirren — i s revelling i n the new sense of optimism that surrounds Warburton’s tenure.
And he knows that helping Rangers win promotion in confident fashion would give him the best possible chance to feature at what could be his country’s first major finals appearance in 30 years.
‘It’s something I do think about,’ admitted Shiels, when asked about Northern Ireland. ‘Obviously I want to get back in the squad.
‘I played a lot under Michael O’Neill when he got the job but, due to not playing here, I lost my place but, hopefully, that can come again this season. It’s been a while since I was involved, maybe over a year.
‘It is something I’m thinking about but that comes, first and foremost, from doing well at the club. You’ve got to do well in club football to have a chance so, hopefully, if I can keep doing well I’ve got a chance. Playing for my country is something I take great pride in.
‘Obviously, I still look at the games as a fan when they’re playing. I’ve got a lot of friends in the squad and it’s great to see them doing so well.
‘Whether I’m in the squad or not I’ll always be wanting my country to win. So, hopefully, we can continue that good form whether I’m involved or not. This is a key moment in the country’s history with it being so long since we were last in a major tournament.
‘But, firstly, I have to put my whole focus on the club and if a call-up comes, it comes.
‘Could I imagine a better season than Rangers going up and going to the Euros? That sounds good to me.
‘But I’m not thinking too far ahead. I just have to look to the next game and that is Alloa on Sunday.’
The Indodrill Stadium is, indeed, far removed from the Gallic venues that will stage Euro 2016 next summer. It will, however, host an informative test of just how Warburton’s side are shaping up.
Visits to Alloa’s plastic pitch were often tortuous for Rangers last season, as they crashed out of the Petrofac Training Cup in i gnominious fashion and l eaked Championship points.
‘We’ve had a few tough games there in the past,’ recognised Shiels. ‘ It’s completely different to playing at Ibrox but Alloa are in this league in their own right and deserve respect. We know we’re going to get a really tough game there.
‘Some people don’t like the astroturf, but I’ve got no issues with it. We are going to train there this week and that will give the new guys a feel for the surroundings and the surface.
‘It’s giving us no excuses and can only benefit us come matchday.’
It is possible Rangers could have added John Eustace to their midfield pool by then, as the 35-year- old continues to train at Murray Park to prove his fitness.
Shiels was already well aware of the ex-Stoke City, Watford and Derby County man from his time south of the border with Doncaster Rovers.
‘I’ve played against John in England — he’s a good player who brings a wealth of experience with him,’ Shiels insisted.
‘He has had a few injury problems but, hopefully, once he’s fit he can be an addition. I don’t know his personal situation and I don’t know if he’s close to signing — but I do know he’ll have a lot to offer if he does. He was a player who was always difficult to play against. You can tell f rom speaking to him about the game that he’s got a lot of knowledge about it.
‘He’s got positive things to offer the group and if that works out he’ll be a great addition to the squad.
‘John can get in the box and score goals but he’s probably best as a sitting midfielder.
‘He’s also been captain at nearly every club he’s been at so those leadership qualities will be key going into the season.’