Ireland’s premier league men have enough quality

As the Trappatoni-era is about to begin, there are some problems that need to be sorted out. Steve Finnan and Andy O’Brien must be persuaded to come back and the Stephen Ireland saga must end soon.  However, looking at our squad, we have more than enough to mount a serious challenge at qualifying for the World Cup in 2010.

Roy Keane has certainly created his own little Irish team at Wearside. It is a big plus that Sunderland will be in the Premier League next season with no more than 8 Irish players in his squad. Andy Reid has looked terrific each time he has played, Daryl Murphy’s confidence and ability is improving and Roy O’Donovan looks to have plenty of potential.

However, Keane has had problems with Liam Miller and Anthony Stokes, who both look to have been frozen out. Paul Mc Shane has lost his place to Johnny Evans. Ian Harte and David Connelly don’t seem to be up to Premier League standards and don’t have a future in the Irish team.

This season has to go down as the worst one in Shay Given’s career. He has been part of the disastrous season with the Magpies and has not been involved in the recent resurgence due to injury. However, any time Given puts on the Irish jersey, he seems to excel.

The exact opposite can be said for Ireland’s  captain. Robbie Keane has had the best season of his career. His partnership with Berbatov is unrivalled in the Premier League and without them they could arguably be fighting relegation due to their dreadful defence.

He won his first major trophy against Chelsea in the League Cup and anyone that was watching saw that there was no prouder man in Wembley than Keane that day. Can he produce the same form for Ireland under Trappatoni? Only time will tell but he needs a decent strike partner.

Kevin Doyle has suffered from the so called “second season syndrome” and has struggled for goals this season. His team-mate has impressed and Stephen Hunt continues to be one of the un-sung heroes in the Premier League. His form must please Trappatoni. Shane Long has had a similar season as last, only making a few appearances here and there and looking ok.

John O’Shea has found it hard to get in the Man United team this year. With many centre midfielders and a defence that have been magnificent this season, the Waterford man has struggled to nail down a place. However, he has played 36 times and continues to be a useful back-up player.

Many people believe that O’ Shea is the man to play along side Richard Dunne, who is  one of the best centre backs in the Premier League.

He has had another fantastic season for Manchester City. He played out of his skin in the two Manchester Derbies and at home to Liverpool. He makes the odd mistake but he is the first name that Trappatoni writes down on his first team-sheet.

Stephen Ireland has missed the past few Ireland games for personal reasons and must be brought back. He is our best central midfielder and has been one of the unsung heroes in the City team. His quality of passing is right up there with anyone in the Premier League and he will be a big player in the next few years for the Boys in Green.

Liam Brady is attempting to get Andy O’Brien and Steve Finnan back in the international fold.

However, Benitez has played Carragher right back, to accommodate new signing Skrtel, meaning Finnan has lost his place. Also, it looks like Andy O’ Brien will be playing Championship football next season and has been quite ordinary.

Kevin Kilbane has found a new position this season at left back and he has performed really well ,and will surely keep his remarkable record of playing 45 consecutive competitive games.

Lee Carsley may have had his personal best season for Everton and is one of the reasons that they are having a great season. In the SPL, Aidan McGeady has had a fantastic season and is attracting interest from Premier League clubs.

Also, in the Championship, Clinton Morrison, Andy Keogh and Liam Lawrence have shone for their clubs and will surely be in Trappatoni’s plans for the World Cup Qualifiers Overall, Ireland have enough quality in the squad to at least finish second in their group. Italy are obvious favourites and Bulgaria will pose a threat but with an experienced manager and a talented squad of players, Ireland have a decent chance to qualify.

- Scott Lawless