Continuing the chat from the general Irish football thread.
Definitely a more coherent set up under Heimir & the players seem to be buying in. Plenty of media bits this week where various players & coaching staff have said they’re ready to deliver now the real stuff has come around.
Well stocked in defence comparatively but lacking centre midfield (& perhaps) wide options too.
We’ve looked well organised & committed in the build up games, but there might be some tweaking required.
You might need Doherty to play left back or a more natural centre back to play full back or someone to play wide who’s more comfortable in the centre. I hope that doesn’t affect the fluency, as it’s still hard to see how we’ll be able to break down the better sides tbh. I think the age old 1-1 home victory against a higher tanker side might be the most likely result.
I ran past the Aviva stadium earlier & there was an air of expectation in the…eh air, even at 8.15am.
I’m always a little bit wary of things falling flat in these situations - when a squad that hasn’t had success has built up this moment so much in their heads - but that might just be my naturally prudent disposition (as a veteran accountant).
That said, myself & my chums have climbed aboard the Heimir express & this bandwagon is ready to take off. First season tickets procured since the Euro 2020/21 campaign.
I cant wait. My usual companions have misjudged the mood of the nation and wont be there so I’ve enlisted a couple of brothers and a bro in law for pints and football. There’ll be no harry maguire to boo but sure you cant have everything…
Lawal has been playing centre back for Stoke. Can’t see him jumping ahead of current back ups like O’Brien & Scales, never mind starting ahead of either Collins or O’Shea (one of those two back ups might even start if O’Shea is moved to right back). And don’t think he’s anywhere near experienced enough to play in midfield at this level, he’s barely played a first team game there. I could see Manning playing wide on the left but then you’re playing Scales or Doherty left back. Pretty certain it’ll be Cullen & Knight in the midfield two, with spots up for grabs in the three ahead of them. Like he could play Azaz centrally or off the left, same with Szmodics. He could even play Ferguson as the one behind centrally with Idah as striker. Lots of possibilities but some square pegs/round holes to be decided on.
@Ralphie I think it’s more likely Doherty left back & Manning ahead of him with either O’Shea or O’Brien right back & the other partnering Collins…
…But it could be 3-5-2 with Doherty & Manning wing backs & three centre halves.
