Last year, before both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland were set to play in their respective World Cup play-off fixtures, I selected my combined Irish team. At the time, it consisted of seven Republic players and four Northern Ireland players.

I thought it would be a good idea to revisit the topic before both teams meet in Dublin in a friendly on Thursday – the first time they’ve played each other since 2011. Here’s my revised team, and the reasons for my choices. Let me know what you think?

Formation 4-3-3

 

Goalkeeper – Darren Randolph barely hangs onto his position ahead of Bailey Peacock Fowler who made his debut for NI in May. BPF has enjoyed a fine start to his international career and has performed well for high flyers Leeds this season. Randolph has conceded the fewest goals in the championship this season but in the last few international games has looked somewhat shaky especially when facing free kicks. He remains an extremely reliable net minder and just pips Bailey to the position. I’m also a big fan of Kieron Westwood but he seems to be in the international wilderness having fallen out with Martin O’Neill.

Martin O’Neill

Right Back – Séamus Coleman: Probably the best player in this squad. Coleman has bounced back from that horrific leg break a couple of years ago and is now back to his usual self after an understandable quiet return last season. Coleman is the leader of the Republic team and if he’d avoided injury in the World Cup campaign we can only wonder what difference he would have made in qualification. Primary competition for the right back position comes from Coleman’s international team mate Matt Doherty who has started his debut premier league season like a rocket.

Centre Back – Shane Duffy: Duffy is another player who has made a great start to the Premier League season. He is an ever present at the back for Ireland despite the fact his defensive partners often change. At the moment, he also seems to be the team’s biggest goal threat and is unbelievably brave in both boxes. The centre back positions were probably the easiest to pick but I am also an admirer of Craig Cathcart who is a very intelligent footballer. Duffy’s ex-Blackburn team-mate and international colleague Darragh Lenihan is one to watch out for in coming years.

Centre Back – Johnny Evans: Like Séamus Coleman he is first name on team sheet for NI. Evans is the leader in defence and would be a perfect partner for Duffy at the back. His distribution would also be a major asset.

Left Back – Jamal Lewis: The young left back has been a revelation for Norwich and Northern Ireland so far this season. He has arguably been NI’s best player in the Nations League campaign and has helped his club Norwich reach the top of the Championship. The 20-year-old was also voted EFL young player of the month for October. Michael O’Neill may have worried he’d struggle to replace Chris Brunt but he shouldn’t have. Lewis is a ready-made replacement. Enda Stevens is another to look out for, having recently broke into the Republic squad and done well when called upon.

Michael O’Neill

Right Centre Midfield – Oliver Norwood: The midfielder has everything, he can pass, tackle and shoot. He is also deadly from set pieces. Norwood has experienced two promotions in a row with Brighton and Fulham respectively. He is now currently on loan at Sheffield United who are riding high at the top of the Championship and enjoying another successful campaign. International team mates, George Saville and Corry Evans, are also having great seasons at their clubs and are unlucky to miss out.

Attacking Midfield – Steven Davis: The maestro in midfield, this team needs a ball-playing midfielder, and who better than the Southampton man. He may be struggling to break into his club team this year but I believe it is only a matter of time before he wins it back. Once he does Southampton’s fortunes will surely improve.

Left Centre Midfield – Robbie Brady: Martin O’Neill will be delighted to get Brady back after nearly 10 months out with a knee injury. He has made two appearances for Burnley since his return and both Burnley and ROI will be glad to have him back having both struggled over the past few months. Like his club mate Jeff Hendrick, Brady hasn’t quite performed to the same level as we seen of him in Euro 2016. However, in my opinion he is Ireland’s best midfielder and his set pieces are externally dangerous and important to the team.

Right Wing Forward – Callum Robinson: The Preston man has been one of the few bright sparks of the Nations League campaign. He is strong, good on the ball and extremely quick. Robinson has carried on his impressive club form when wearing the green jersey and his versatility is another major positive.

Centre Forward– Josh Magennis: Some if you will disagree with this or may even laugh but every time I see him play I’ve been impressed. I like his versatility; he can play anywhere across the front line. He has enjoyed a good season at Bolton since his move in the summer and although he might not get the goals his effort deserves he is a good asset for any team. He is a firm favourite of Michael O’Neill’s and I can see why. Magennis is selected ahead of International team mate Will Grigg, who is finally starting to show what he can do for Northern Ireland. Seannie Maguire will be a star for Republic of Ireland and hopefully he can put his injuries behind him.

Left Wing Forward – James McClean: Stand-out performer for the Republic over the last couple of years and scored crucial goals for his team. He has operated as left wing back over the last couple of games, but this has stifled his impact on the game. Now a senior member of the Republic team, Martin O’Neill should use him further forward to utilise his ability.

Subs: Bailey Peacock Fowler, Matt Doherty, Craig Cathcart, George Saville, Jeff Hendrick, Will Grigg, Liam Boyce.

 

Do you agree with Caolan’s selections? Let us know.

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