Nobafemi tonight.
Ryan Manning makes a match day squad. Jimmy Dunne is the one that misses the match day squad.
Manning seen as centre back cover ahead of Dunne then?
Not sure about that. Wouldn't want to see one of our centre backs go off injured early on tonight.
It's his birthday today, would have been harsh to drop him today. I thought Dunne would get in ahead of him but he's also talked about Stevens being able to cover LCB and somewhat certain Mick started him LCB away to Switzerland.
Ah yer not there yet geysir :P
Not sure what to expect with the team tonight. I've a feeling Cullen is going to get a rest and that might mean Houriahane starting. At the back he may try Stevens in the three just for his experience or Manning if he wants to be really adventurous. Hogan is probably the most like for like Obafemi replacement and he was unlucky not to score against Scotland. No guarantee it won't be a slight change in shape again though and that opens up the possibility of Ogbene returning.
I think most likely it'll be;
Kelleher
O'Shea
Collins
Lenihan (Stevens)
McClean
Hourihane (Cullen)
Molumby
Knight
Browne
Parrot
Hogan (Ogbene)
Not expecting any massive curveballs, although maybe a back 4 might be an option, the change in shape could catch Ukraine out. There's a few options with the midfield, could move Browne inside if resting Cullen, could play Hendrick with him or Molumby taking the Cullen role rather than Hourihane. Will Keane hasn't seen much time so could also be an option as the 10 with Parrot pushed up into the Obafemi role.
Tallaght Stadium Regular
Hourihane starting would be nightmare. He has to go with same midfield as Scotland game
McClean confirmed on FAI's Twitter as captain so sure to start.
Team named. Hogan for Obafemi and Lenihan for Duffy.
O'Shea in for Egan too.
The FAI Twitter has "Festy" listed on the bench interestingly!
And O'Shea for Egan...
https://twitter.com/FAIreland/status...c-NQMw0nvq7Gyw
Going for a 1-1.
Impossible to know what to expect, but I think Ukraine will be too good for us again, though I doubt we'll be well beaten (on the scoreboard anyway). Be interesting to see how Ireland play in the first ten minutes, if it'll be huff-and-puff and possession dominance in that period again before they fall out of it.
Author of Never Felt Better (History, Film Reviews).
Ukraine 3-1, green shoots from last game to wilt.
Nice early save for Kelleher there - routine enough, but will help him settle in. I think it'll be needed
Reasonable start so far without creating an opening.
Ah Troy… decent chance…
Irish by birth ,Harps by the grace of god.
Jaysus, that's a bad miss from Parrott.
Tricky one to score, but didn't need to send it that far wide
Very solid start. Great shape. Making good decision when to keep it or go longer. And that’s a pretty decent chance created for us.
Bookmarks