We offer a player-by-player assessment of the 23 Irish men who will be carrying the hopes of the nation to France.
SHAY GIVEN: 40 years old he may be, but the veteran Irish keeper can still produce the goods. With 133 caps, and appearances in both World Cup and Euro finals to his credit, he brings a wealth of experience to the table – although injury blighted his season, during which he made just three appearances for Stoke City. Loves to play for Ireland.
DARREN RANDOLPH: Called into action when Shay Given was forced off against Germany, the West Ham No.2 did enough to retain the Irish goalkeeper’s shirt in subsequent games. Big, strong and imposing, his distribution is impressive. He rightly enters the tournament as Ireland’s first choice – but Given and Westwood will be breathing down his neck...
KEIREN WESTWOOD: A stunning series of displays in Sheffield Wednesday’s ultimately unsuccessful challenge for promotion to the Premier League saw Westwood edge Millwall’s David Forde out of the squad. Could Martin O’Neill go with the in-form man? It’s unlikely, but not impossible: a great shot-stopper, the 31 year-old has 17 Irish caps under his belt.
SEAMUS COLEMAN: One of Ireland’s finest and most consistent performers, the Donegal man is among the best right-backs in the world. He has also become a leader in a green shirt. He may have had a quieter season at Everton, but his forays down the flank could prove crucial in France, especially if he gets into goal-scoring positions.
CYRUS CHRISTIE: Having ably deputised at right-full for Coleman in the famous win against Germany, at just 23, the Derby County man has huge potential. He scored a crucial goal against Gibraltar and has shown the fancy footwork required to flummox opposing defences. Needs to improve defensively, especially when Ireland are going forward.
CIARAN CLARK: Even as part of an Aston Villa side that had a calamitous season in the Premiership, Ciaran Clark did well. A combative centre-half, who is quick and comfortable on the ball, he’s a fine footballer, who communicates well and offers a goal threat at set-pieces. Faces a battle to secure a spot partnering John O’Shea.
RICHARD KEOGH: Captain at Derby County, he played in both legs of the Euro 2016 play-off against Bosnia. Tigerish and brave, with a scary stare, he is capable of powerful surges forward and is also strong at set-pieces. The big challenge for Martin O’Neill is in deciding on the right combination out of four to stifle Ibrahimovich.
JOHN O’SHEA: With 110 caps, the Waterford man is a talismanic presence in green. Near the end of his career at 35, he struggled to hold his place at Sunderland, but he should be Irish captain in the opening game against Sweden. Powerful and strong, he reads the game well and is dangerous at set-pieces. Scored away to Germany in the qualifiers.
SHANE DUFFY
A regular at Blackburn, the Derry-born centre-half burst onto the international scene recently. At 6ft 4in, his height is a big asset, but he is surprisingly quick too and good on the ball. Lack of experience against top players and suspect concentration are concerns, but he might just be the man to get stuck into Ibrahimovic.
STEPHEN WARD: In a matter of months, Stephen’s career at club level has gone from zero to hero, with ultimate Championship winners Burnley gathering momentum once Ward came back into the side. Fared badly for Ireland in Euro 2012, but at the very least is a good second string left-back – and, as a former striker, has goal potential.
ROBBIE BRADY: Was one of the few Norwich players to emerge from a rough season with an enhanced reputation. Has improved hugely as a full-back: he tackles well and is deceptively quick. Will probably start there, with O’Nell’s diamond formation offering a licence to get forward. His dead ball delivery will be crucial: he takes a mean corner and is a free-kick specialist.
GLENN WHELAN: An old-school grafter, he is widely under-rated. A near ever-present in an excellent Stoke side, he played 40 games this season and was among the Premiership players with the highest number of passes made. His tenacity, control and maturity provide the backbone of the Irish midfield. An important influence, he needs to get on the ball and keep it in France.
JAMES McCARTHY: One of the most talented of the current crop of Irish players, he is a natural footballer, who has matured into a teak-tough midfielder. Yet to deliver on his full potential, but he has the vision and the passing ability to become great. Confidence is key. Scored a couple of times late in the season – he might just deliver one at Euro 2016.
JEFF HENDRICK: A team-mate of Robbie Brady’s at St. Kevin’s Boys, he had a mixed year at Derby County, but Martin O’Neill likes him. At 24, he has the confidence to try things and made a vital goal or two during qualification. Strength of James McClean’s form may make it difficult for him to find a starting place, but he will certainly get game time. Has occasional goals in him.
DAVID MEYLER: The Corkman is a fine, solid, committed midfield player. But he has been in and out of the Hull team this season, so he is in France as a squad player, who can potentially do a job anywhere in the middle of the park, or even at right back, as he did in the draw with Germany in the qualifiers. A big performance if he does get a run could help at club level.
STEPHEN QUINN: A good Championship player, currently with Reading, Stephen Quinn has generally performed well for Ireland, without ever hitting the headlines. His touch is good and he is industrious and tough in the tackle but is unlikely to unlock defences. A good option for Martin O’Neill if we are trying to get to the finishing line without giving anything away.
AIDEN MCGEADY: On current form, his inclusion may be against the head – but Martin O’Neill knows McGeady well and believes in his ability. Scored the winner against Georgia in the qualifiers and still has the ability to conjure a bit of football magic. His match fitness is an issue, but potentially a good substitute if we are chasing a goal.
JAMES MCCLEAN: A Hot Press favourite, McClean had a great season at West Brom, playing 42 games. Tough, aggressive, and strong defensively, he is also quick and a good crosser. Probably between him and Hendrick to play left midfield against Sweden. Martin O’Neill brought him through at Sunderland. Can do a job upfront too. Scored five goals for Ireland in 2014.
WES HOOLAHAN: Our only truly creative talent, Hoolahan is potentially the key to Ireland’s tournament. Will Martin O’Neill play him against Sweden? He should. Wes wants the ball, is capable of going past people and passes brilliantly. Can occasionally be out-muscled, but we desperately need his guile, unpredictability and ability to keep the ball. Show some faith!
ROBBIE KEANE: Injury and age may have pushed him down the pecking order, but Robbie Keane’s goalscoring record speaks for itself, with 67 in 143 appearances for Ireland. Best in a 4-4-2 set-up, his game is less well suited to the different formations Martin O’Neill has been using. Most likely to be deployed as a sub if we are chasing a game and badly need a goal.
SHANE LONG: One of the big successes of the latter half of the season in the Premier League with Southampton, at 29 Long is at the peak of his powers. His positioning and timing have improved and he has pace to burn. His brilliant goal against Germany gave him fresh confidence. A good tournament could make his career. He will be hoping at least to add to his 16 Irish goals.
DARYL MURPHY: This year has been a relatively fallow one for Murphy, with the Championship goals drying up. He hasn’t scored yet for Ireland either. He is strong, hard-working and has a decent touch, but isn’t the quickest and so needs to get on the end of things close to goal if he is going to score at international level. For that moment when we decide to go long...
JONATHAN WALTERS: A Premiership footballer who has made the most of his talent through hard graft, street smarts and a brilliant attitude. The Stoke City striker-come-wideman was a hero for Irish fans long before his two-goals against Bosnia. A certain starter, his touch is good, he is quick and has an eye for goal. Most of all, he is hard as fuck and works like a demon.