Should He Stay, Or Should He Go?
09/05/02 | by Ade O'Connor

That is the question on Mick McCarthy’s mind at the moment. With Ireland now after having played all 3 of their warm up games before naming the squad and then playing Nigeria in their final friendly, before descending on Japan.

The song is written and the group is decided, now really all that’s left is to tell the men in question to either book their holidays to Agia Napa, or to get ready for the ride to Japan. The cut will be made at 23 men, and as always there are the confirmed places on the plane, those on the edge - and the unfortunate who miss out.

Right, lets get down to business - 23 men, all of them Irish of a sort and then cross your fingers and hope that none of them get injured. Here’s the lo-down on the men I think will make up the Ireland squad, and then those who just missed out.

Goalkeepers

Shay Given - Newcastle United
One of the first names on the squad list for Mick no doubt. In recent years he has firmly established himself as not only Ireland’s number one, but also Newcastle’s. Apart from the cock-up he made in the friendly against Greece some years ago, he’s been faultless in goal for Eire, and made many an excellent save. He really shone in the play off matches against Iran; he made some great saves when we needed them most.

Dean Kiely - Charlton Athletic
Has really made his mark on the squad when he gets his chance. You may recall the excellent save he made against USA in the friendly, he wasn’t asked to do much in the game and made a big impression with his only real touch. A great shot stopper, who is good enough to be first choice, but for the talent ahead of him.

Alan Kelly - Blackburn Rovers
Only scrapes into the squad as he has done the job before, but now gets very little first team action for anyone. I suspect this will be his last major tournament before young Nick Colgan edges him out. Let’s just hope we don’t need to play him at any point!

Defenders

Steve Finnan - Fulham
He’s defender who has really made his mark on the team since he got his chance. With the injury of Steve Carr and Gary Kelly not playing all that much for Leeds, he got his opportunity over a few games and stuck in Mick’s plans. His potential as an attacking force with dangerous crosses was highlighted when he provided the ball into the box to Jason McAteer against Holland. In his first season in the Premiership Finnan was nominated into the Players team of the year, which was well deserved, as his talents did not go unnoticed by one Sir Alex Ferguson! A definite entry to the squad now, and a regular fixture in the team, in my opinion you will hear a lot more about Steve Finnan in years to come.

Gary Kelly - Leeds United
Gary Kelly was once a regular in the Eire team, but due to not playing enough games for his club, he has dropped down the pecking order. He got himself sent off against Holland in the home match, despite Ireland winning the game 1-0, I can’t see this doing many favours to his status in the team. No doubt Gary is a talented player, who is an able right back, and almost a certain for the squad, but you just can’t help to feel that when Steve Carr returns from injury, Gary Kelly will be further down the line. Despite his relative experience, he is not a player coming to the end of his career, but unless his form picks up and he gets regular first team football at club level, it’s hard to see him ever forcing his way back into the team.

Steve Staunton - Aston Villa
Irelands highest capped player of all time now and rising, he may hit 100 caps during the World Cup. Proved to be an unlikely talent at the back for Eire, even at his age, he is reliable and provides good distribution to the midfield. Stan will find himself behind Harte in the free kick stakes, however he has a very accurate and precise free kick which no doubt will be deployed at some point. He’s still in the team mainly due to Irelands lack of quality in the centre backs, but this must be his last major tournament. Unlike Cascarino, I can’t see him sticking around to be dropped, Stan has been a great servant for the country and Mick cannot leave him out of the squad.

Ian Harte - Leeds United
His lethal free kick is an alternative attacking force that Eire so long needed, however sometimes his tendency to be a left wing back, rather than a left full back, can leave Ireland exposed. But discard that point and really there isn’t a single left back who can claim to be better than Harte in the Premiership. His club boss, David O`Leary has great faith in Harte, and rightly so, he is rarely out with an injury and never seems to have a desperately poor game. Quite possibly one of the first names on the team sheet for each match, Ian Harte is without doubt in the team, and of course must be in the squad.

Gary Breen - Coventry City
The captain of Coventry City is one of Irelands first choice centre backs, who has been a regular fixture in McCarthy’s mind since he took the Ireland job. Another player who perhaps plays more international games then he might due to Irelands weakness at centre back, although that said, he makes little mistakes and chips in with the odd goal or two. Fans of the Republic don’t quite dream of a team of Gary Breen’s, but he’s in the squad and maybe a name to stick on the team sheet.

Kenny Cunningham - Wimbledon
A player who has been dogged by injuries and as a result only scrapes the squad ahead of youngsters like John O`Shea. When he has been called upon to do a job for Ireland, whether it is at centre back or at right back, he has done well. Probably not first choice in the team at any position, the fact of the matter is he has not played enough games to be seriously considered. He is in the squad as he is one of the players that helped Ireland get to the World Cup and Mick McCarthy will be liable to stay loyal to those players.

Richard Dunne - Manchester City
An underrated player in my view, since he made his debut in the Nike Cup, he has scored a few goals for the Republic, despite never scoring at club level. He is a solid defender, built like a centre back of old, some question marks may hang over his fitness however I believe that he has played a valuable enough part in Man City’s promotion bid to be considered. Not necessarily a player that Mick McCarthy will be obliged to pick on previous experience, but he is the best man for the job and probably represents the “4th Centre back”. He should be in the squad for sure, however the first team may be a bridge too far.

Andy O`Brien - Newcastle United
Andy has burst onto the international scene after having a fantastic season with Newcastle. Signed from Bradford, he has proven to be an integral part of the Newcastle defence and in a short space of time has established himself in the Irish set up. Although being highlighted as the weak link in some cases, surely his strong points outweigh his weak, by 0putting in some important tackles, which cannot go unnoticed. He talks of hoping there to be a 5th centre back berth in order to make the squad, and I think his hopes may be well founded, Ireland have enough cover in the other defensive positions to make him a worthy selection, albeit as a bench warmer.

Midfielders

Kevin Kilbane - Sunderland
Recently, he has not made the Ireland team due to injury and squad rotation. Kevin has made his mark as a talented left-winger who can beat right backs with ease, not least to mention the occasional decent shot at goal he has. A hard working player, who never really has a bad game, he must be amongst Mick’s plans for the first XI, and a sure thing for the squad. If the managed chooses to play Damian Duff on the left wing however, then he could find himself ousted to the bench and pay for his recent lack of action. However, nothing bad can be said about his enthusiasm as he always gives the impression that he is proud to put on the green jersey every time he is on the pitch, he must go to Japan.

Roy Keane - Manchester United
A man that needs no introduction, the talisman of the Irish team, and a name known by almost all worldwide. The Man Utd captain up until recently, never gave the impression that he was interested in playing for Ireland, and in a sense, this was picked up by a lot of fans. But since the start of the World Cup Qualifying campaign, whether he felt that he needed to raise his game against the top teams, or the fact that he had rediscovered his belief that Ireland could get to Japan, he has been on top form. The skipper is not short on goals either; nowadays he is seen leading by example in both defence and attack. If Ireland get bogged down in any of their games, you can rely on Roy to rally the troops and lift them for that extra mile. I don’t need to say he is in the squad, and a man that will be watched carefully by all opposition - A true leader.

Mark Kinsella - Charlton Athletic
Pronounced Kin-sla in Eire, and not as Englanders call him, Kin-sell-er. Mark has established himself as Roy Keane’s partner in the midfield, and now he has made his case even stronger with that excellent finish in the friendly vs. USA. A really hardworking player, who is the Charlton captain, certainly is capable of fulfilling the defensive midfield role when his partner goes in search of goals and on occasions doing the goal scoring himself. One of the players that Mick will look upon as a player that has helped Ireland qualify, however his position is under serious competition from Matt Holland. Kinsella can tell his missus to set aside any plans for a holiday in the sun as he will be embarking on the football shores of Japan.

Matthew Holland - Ipswich Town
A player that has gone from international strength to strength, starting of as a fringe player and turning himself into an integral part of the Irish set up. The long-term replacement for Roy Keane, who can also do more than a good job for his country at the moment, he has done much to build on that case with solid performance after solid performance, scoring a great equaliser away to Portugal, securing a vital point for Ireland. Many feel that Matt Holland has the potential to be a big time player at a successful club, but for now he is happy at Ipswich Town. Almost ever present for them for some time, I feel with Ipswich getting relegated it may be time to make that step up to a slightly bigger club, maybe of the mid-table variety. First Division players have held Ireland back before, as they are not used to playing against world-class opposition - Matt Holland is most certainly talented enough to play in the elite, and he will thrive on the opportunity to perform on the world’s stage.

Steven Reid - Millwall
The Millwall youngster has chosen to opt for his Irish routes, which has been a massive benefit to Eire, as he has burst on the scene with impact, securing a goal in the game against Denmark. Certainly he is part of the future of Irish football, and Premiership football in years to come, he can play either left wing or right. The aspect of Reid’s game that has struck me the most is his ability to put his foot in and win the ball back for Ireland when a mistake is made; his hard working attitude has not gone unnoticed. Fast becoming a fans favourite, he has given Mick McCarthy a hell of a selection headache, with such a youngster coming onto the scene, it means a more experienced player will be forced to miss out. I would take him purely for his hard working attitude to push the more experienced players to keep working; also, this experience will be vital to his progress.

Colin Healy - Celtic/Coventry City
Another talented youngster fast emerging onto the Irish scene, Colin never let his massive leap from Celtic reserves to Ireland’s first team phase him. McCarthy was forced to admit that Healy has given him a real problem, as it is hard to ignore such solid performance in the centre of the park. Even if Healy did miss out on this World Cup, it would certainly not be the end of the line for him, I can see a big future for this young lad, even at such a young age. He will most definitely feature more heavily in the Euro 2004 qualifiers, as Mick prepares to groom this youngster for future days of glory, but would it be a risk to take him to Japan? Yes. Including Colin Healy would mean leaving a more established player at home, and questions have to be raised, as whether this is too much, too soon for him, but Colin has the pedigree to be a real star. Was it Bob Paisley who said “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough”? This is most true, it would be a massive risk for McCarthy to take, but this risk may be the joker in the pack.

Jason McAteer - Sunderland
For the rest of his Irish career he will be remembered for that goal against Holland, which has propelled him to a prominent Irish first team player. For a right midfielder, McAteer does not score a lot of goals, indeed to date he has only 3 international goals to his name, but his outstanding runs down the right flank and his crossing ability to target men are really second to none. Jason has had really low times in his career; around the Holland game on September 1 he was looking for a transfer from Blackburn to anywhere, as he had fallen out of favour with the Blackburn manager. But the Irish Boss stuck by his man, and kept faith with him when times were hard, and it is about time McAteer got some of the credit he deserves for his skills and talent. I can almost guarantee that shortly McAteer will win the World Cup - in the new Carlsberg advertisement he stars in. McAteer will be a key player in Japan and can help bring young Steven Reid on, as for lifting the World Cup, if McAteer had dreams like that - they would probably be the best in the world!

Strikers

Niall Quinn - Sunderland
Quinny is the Irish all time top scorer with 21 goals to date, beating Franck Stapleton’s record in a recent friendly against Croatia. The 6’5 forward is undoubtedly a great target man, but has unfortunately been ravaged with injuries to his back in the Indian summer of his career. However, recently Niall has extended his career by taking on a new warm up programme involving stretches to prepare his back for the rigorous tests of football. Quinn brings a different line of attack to the Irish game, and works well along side a small quick forward, to which he can head the ball down for, hence the success of Big Niall and Little Kev at Sunderland. This will be his last major tournament for Ireland, indeed his last ever game will come when Ireland are eventually knocked out of the tournament, but no-one can argue that Niall has been a fantastic servant to Irish football. The big man should be used sparingly at the World Cup though, as it would be a tragedy if he was to get injured in his last ever game for Ireland, but nevertheless, Quinny is a legend.

Robbie Keane - Leeds United
After going through a large baron spell for both club and country, the namesake of captain Roy is finally back in form. On his day Robbie is one of the most creative and influential players in his league, even when he isn’t having a good game you can always rely on that odd touch of brilliance he comes up with to make you sit up and take notice. During his spell of non-scoring, once again the Ireland manager stuck by his player, and now it looks like it’s about to pay off - with Robbie returning to peak form in time for the World Cup. He will one day be Ireland’s record goal scorer, as he has already surpassed the Quinn halfway mark so early in his career. Keane first came to light as a terrific youngster at Wolves, he then moved to Coventry, where his career further flourished, a failed move to Inter Milan was probably too much too soon, but he re-launched himself at Leeds United. You just can’t count Robbie Keane out of having a good tournament; he should be in the starting line up and of course in the squad.

Damian Duff - Blackburn Rovers
Damian has exploded onto the Premiership scene, already being linked with massive moves of the £10 million variety to the likes of Liverpool, and with the performances he has been putting in, it looks worth every penny. All of a sudden Duff has been holding off 4 men on his long and winding runs into the box and then unselfishly slotting the ball to a teammate, with an easy finish. Never before have I seen a Danish right back look such a forlorn figure as when he came up against Damo Duff. This way and that, from the corner flag to the ‘D’, he became an impossible player to mark all of a sudden, and provided a great cross into the bargain. At such a young age, already Duff can be hailed as part of the present of Irish football, and in future years to come. The only question remains is where his best position is. Many argue that he is the perfect partner for Robbie Keane when Niall Quinn says goodbye, others say he does most damage on the left wing, wrecking havoc to all before him, and soon enough after him! I can see Damo’s Irish future being in the centre forward position; Irish have plenty of talent on the left flank, whereas we appear barer in the centre of attack. A marvellous player he is, and who can say he won’t set the World alight?

David Connolly - Wimbledon
I have to admit, this man is a player I don’t rate highly at all, but thankfully new talent should see his international days numbered. Dave misses too many chances for my liking, and he gets too many opportunities to come away with an international goal tally in the single figures, representing the Ireland team after Jack Charlton, before we were successful once more. In fairness I suppose he isn’t the worst player in the squad, after all, when he came on in the second leg in Tehran he played like an old pro, holding the ball up and wasting time where possible when it got a little tight. I am sure he will be in the squad though, and no doubt will come on as a substitute once or twice.

Clinton Morrison - Crystal Palace
Clinton fills the last strikers spot in the squad, with a series of good, sharp performances since opting to play for Ireland (rather than England, Scotland, Wales, Jamaica and Inner Mongolia), a true Irishman! Now he is a fans favourite, receiving a massive roar when he came on for his debut as a substitute from the Irish faithful, Morrison has vowed to break all Irish records and be the best forward Ireland have ever had. Clinton as you are now aware, is not a player short on confidence and he has the potential to be a top marksman for Eire and will surely make the summer squad, and a place on the bench.

The Men Who Miss Out

Nick Colgan - Hibernian
This young shot stopper just hasn’t played enough games for Ireland yet to be considered, although in his debut appearance in a friendly against Denmark he didn’t look out of place between the sticks. One for the future no doubt, the boy has time on his side.

John O`Shea - Manchester United
A very talented young centre back, who plays for a top class side, which will no doubt teach him well. Unfortunately for him, at the moment, Ireland has too many centre backs that are just ahead of him. In a few years this young man really will be the master of the defence, mark my words.

Gary Docherty - Tottenham Hotspur
Gary would have definitely been in the squad had he not been ravaged by injury all season. An ideal selection under normal circumstances due to the fact he can play both central defender and striker. He can do the Niall Quinn job as target man when necessary, however his club future looks like being at centre back.

Steve Carr - Tottenham Hotspur
Mick will not even have the option of picking this star right back, due to an injury, which will not go away. At one stage it looked like he would return to full fitness in time for the tournament, but after breaking down in training again, Steve had to rule himself out of contention. Rest assured though, there will come a day when Steve Carr gets his name on the back of the green shirt once again, all in good time.

Mark Kennedy - Manchester City
Mark has really struggled to find first team football anywhere, unable to get a game at Wolves he moved onto Man City, but it is a similar story. Mark has undoubted talent on both sides of the midfield, but his lack of first team action means that Mick will prefer the less experienced, but more match fit youngsters. Had the squad been made up of 24 players, Mark would have made the cut, but as it is 23, he can look forward to watching the TV.

Rory Delap - Southampton
Rory has had a decent season with Southampton, thriving under his new boss Gordon Strachan. Along with playing for Derby, his lack of games in the Ireland team and the great strength in the centre of the park counts him out. He still has a few years left in him, but I feel this utility player will never be anything but a fringe player.

Lee Carsley - Everton
The defensive midfielder falls victim to the unkind chop, as quite frankly he hasn’t done enough to make the 23. Ireland has no shortage of good defensive midfielder, and he has not played enough games for his country to be considered. Lee gave away a silly penalty in the first play-off leg against Turkey a couple of years ago whilst playing for Derby, it’s fair to say he isn’t that high on my ratings.

Richard Sadlier - Millwall
Has made one appearance in a green jersey, in an impressive display, but sadly his progress has been halted by injury. Richard is a physical centre forward, at 6.3 and built like a brick house, he really is a solid player, with plenty of time on his side. But due to injury this World Cup has come to early for him, still, there will be brighter days to come for Richard Sadlier.


So, that’s the 23 men I think will or should make up the squad, and a might fine lot they are too. Looking down the ranks there are a number of players who could really do the business for the Irish, Damian Duff and Robbie Keane spring to mind. These skill players could open up a defence in moments, which could be a real weapon when the team gets into a tough spot, however in the hot Japan sun, would they and their pace have the intensity to survive?

This tournament will see the winding down of a few players as well; this Japanese summer will see the end of many Indian summers. Amongst the names are Steve Staunton and Niall Quinn, who have both been loyal and valued servants to the country. No doubt they will not be prepared to go down without a fight. These two have seen it all before, their experience will be vital on the trip to Japan, to guide the likes of Steven Reid and Colin Healy, when the chips are down.

Matt Holland would be my bet to edge out Mark Kinsella in the second Irish central midfield place, Matt plays so many games consistently and is able to attack or defend with skill. However, this does not mean Mark Kinsella is unable to do the job, quite the opposite, Kinsella has been proven to be reliable and hard working, which is why the competition is intense.

I suppose after naming the squad, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t name the side that I believe will start the first game against Cameroon in the summer. So here we go then, the Irish XI:

Goalkeeper: Shay Given

Defender Left: Ian Harte
Defender Right: Steve Finnan
Defender Centre: Steve Staunton
Defender Centre: Gary Breen

Midfield Left: Kevin Kilbane
Midfield Right: Jason McAteer
Midfield Centre: Roy Keane
Midfield Centre: Matt Holland

Striker: Robbie Keane
Striker: Damian Duff

So that’s it then, now the squad is all said and done, let’s get down to the business of the World Cup. There is no doubt so far in qualifying, that the boys have done the whole nation proud, but can all that hard work be built on? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.