Heimir Hallgrimsson has named his Ireland squad for the upcoming games against Portugal and Hungary, including the shock selection of an MLS player for the first time.
The squad for the upcoming qualifiers was largely as expected. Evan Ferguson has been included despite his recent injury concerns, with the likes of Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, and Festy Ebosele the other options in forward areas.
However, it is the inclusion of American-born left sided player Kevin O’Toole that is sure to dominate the headlines.
New York City midfielder Kevin O’Toole has received his first Ireland call-up this afternoon.
The 26-year old is a native of New Jersey, he previously played college soccer at Princeton before joining the New York Red Bull system. He would then join New York City, making his MLS debut in 2022.
He can play as either a left midfielder or left back. Ireland’s lack of options in those positions may explain the unexpected call-up.
A back 4 of Coleman, O’Brien, Egan (or O’Shea, much of a muchness really) and Manning
Nathan Collins as a deep lying midfielder who can step back and make it a back 5, but also allow Coleman and Manning step forward
Molumby, Cullen and whoever else just running around and tackling
Big Ev and Troy up front.
Take inspiration from Klopp’s first, and only, title winning team by essentially bypassing midfield and letting your full backs handle the creative side of things. Let Big Ev and Troy support each other up front. Collins, who’s too slow, can drop into CB if needed.
Manning is suspended for the Portugal game. I don’t know if anyone else is suspended for that one. Heimir says Honohan of Shamrock would have been called up but he’s nursing an injury & will need a break after the cup final. Says they’ve been tracking O’Toole for a year & his clearance just came through. The left back from Dundee United didn’t do enough to retain his spot after a late call up last time. Dunno what the story is with O’Dowda or other left back options.
Big Ev is back on the grass apparently. He won’t feature at Ibrox tonight though & not sure if he’ll be involved for Roma at the weekend but he’s in the squad anyway.
Big Ev staying in Rome this week for treatment & definitely absent for Portugal. He could join up with the squad for Hungary if he can prove his fitness but I’d say it’s doubtful. Italian press (cc @gilgamboa) were reporting last week Roma were completely bewildered he was named in the Ireland squad due to his injury & had no intention of allowing him to report to Dublin on Sunday.
Johnny Kenny & Jamie McGrath have been called into the squad.
Heimir does a Google on Irish full backs and comes up with this O’Toole guy no one’s ever heard of.
Seriously, call up Volunteer McLean, he’d do damage in this.
