Amid much negativity surrounding the Republic of Ireland squad, this after not qualifying for a major tournament since Euro 2016 and a somewhat underwhelming start to the Heimir Hallgrimsson reign, assistant head coach John O'Shea is calling for a bit more positivity when it comes to assessing the national team.
We are, perhaps, now at a juncture where the only way is up. A Nations League campaign has so far seen two defeats for the Irish. The loss to England was expected, with the Euro 2024 finalists more than comfortable in seeing out the win after netting two early goals.
The opening 45 minutes against Greece three days later saw a bit more intent from Hallgrimsson's side, but on the resumption the Greeks showed their nous to break the deadlock and then seal the deal late on. Another 2-0 loss to pick over. Much grim reading afterwards.
When asked specifically about the perceived lack of options in the Irish midfield, O'Shea responded by staunchly defending the group, insisting that Ireland have "really good players" and called on the public to back the squad more.
"We need to get away from that negative aspect of positions within the team and the squad.
"The dedication and the sacrifice that every player and the levels that these players are playing at I think is sometimes forgotten about.
"They are really good players and are playing at a really good level. I think we're too derogatory towards the players because they are really good players playing at a really good level.
"They are showing dedication and want to come and play for Ireland. I think we should be getting behind them a bit more."
"The dedication and the sacrifice that every player and the levels that these players are playing at I think is sometimes forgotten about"
Away assignments are now to come against Finland and the Greeks.
Cardiff City striker Callum Robinson was one player ruled out this afternoon following an injury picked up in the game against Bristol City yesterday.
The original squad named by Hallgrimsson did not feature Matt Doherty, Jake O'Brien, Alan Browne and Callum Robinson. Luton Town centre-half Mark McGuinness received a first call-up.
There were returns for Aberdeen midfielder Jamie McGrath and West Bromwich Albion winger Mikey Johnston.
Watford right-back Festy Ebosele, who came into the squad for the injured Seamus Coleman ahead of the the Greece game, was also included. Ipswich Town player Jack Taylor is back involved for the first time since June 2023.
'They're really good players, playing at a really good level... I think we're too derogatory towards these players'
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) October 7, 2024
Assistant coach John O'Shea calls for people to get behind Republic of Ireland players rather than criticising pic.twitter.com/rAaFEpKHTo
Burnley's Josh Cullen was injured for the September clashes but he is back to boost the midfield.
A case of new faces in but not necessarily the end for those not involved in this window.
"We want to build on the first half performance against Greece, re-emphasise those new ideas to newer lads in the group," said O'Shea, when speaking to the media on Monday.
"We are trying new combinations, new understandings, and getting that in as quickly as you can because next year you might not be able to do that.
"Obviously injuries, suspensions happen, so lads have to be tested, lads have to be seen at the level and hopefully respond to it. Doc (Matt Doherty) is definitely still in the plans. Hopefully it's that positive reaction from everybody, that everyone gives a manager a tough decision to make."
Watch Finland v Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to live commentary with 2fm's Game On.
Watch Republic of Ireland v Norway in UEFA European Championship Under-21 qualifying on Friday from 6.40pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app.
