Ger McCarthy looks at three Republic of Ireland players whose performances against Oman has given Giovanni Trapattoni plenty to ponder ahead of Germany next month
Robbie Brady
The young Man Utd player did his international prospects no harm at all with an eye-catching first half display and superbly taken debut goal. Brady’s effective delivery from set pieces set up two other Irish goals and based on Tuesday night’s showing the 20-year old certainly has a bright future ahead representing his country at the senior level. It was also telling that Oman’s consolation strike began on the right wing as soon as Brady was substituted for Aiden McGeady after 70 mins. The fact Brady managed to carry his excellent U21 goal scoring record into his first senior foray bodes well for Trapattoni who may have unearthed a long-term successor to the other Robbie currently plying his trade up front.
Will he play against Germany?: As impressive as Robbie Brady was against Oman it is highly unlikely Trapattoni will grant the wishes of most Irish supporters and media pundits and leave the young up and coming star on the bench in preference of the more experienced Aiden McGeady. Brady’s time will come but not against the Germans.
James McClean
Left to lick his wounds until the final half hour of the Oman friendly, James McClean made the most of his substitute appearance to remind Giovanni Trapattoni of his undoubted abilities at international level. McClean was denied a debut senior goal minutes after coming on by a flying Al-Habsi save and grazed the Oman crossbar in the 70th minute with a sweet volley. McClean's keeness to impress was greeted with appreciative roars from the Irish supporters at every touch.
Will he play against Germany?: Disappointingly, McClean is unlikely to feature in the starting eleven next month despite his impressive start to the Premier League campaign and positive display coming off the bench at Craven Cottage. For all his youthful exuberance and enthusiasm to get forward, Trapattoni apparently favours a striker in the wide-left role vacated by Damien Duff rather than an orthodox winger. The fact Andy Keogh and Simon Cox have been selected ahead of the Sunderland winger in recent games suggests McClean will be left to kick his heels on the bench once again.
Kevin Doyle
No other Republic of Ireland player epitomised the hunger, determination and spirit sadly lacking at Euro 2012 and in the recent Kazakhstan scare than Kevin Doyle over the past seven days. It has been a frustrating month for the Wolves striker who has watched former strike-partner Steven Fletcher re-join the Premier League ranks for a £15 million transfer fee as well as losing his place in the Irish XI to Stoke City’s Jonathan Walters. The former Cork City striker’s late cameo turned a shock 1-0 defeat into an undeserved 2-1 victory at the Astana Arena and Doyle was back to his rampaging best once again on Tuesday night, connecting with a Robbie Brady cross to open the scoring. His quality link-up play ensured Ireland remained on the front foot for the majority of the friendly victory and no other Irish player made a more compelling case for a starting berth against the Germans than Kevin Doyle.
Will he play against Germany?: Doyle’s excellent back-to-back performances and brace of goals have ensured Giovanni Trapattoni must give serious consideration to starting the Wolves striker in place of Jonathan Walters when the Germans visit the Aviva next month. His greater experience and clinical finishing should ensure Doyle gets the nod.
Follow Ger on Twitter: @germccarthy74
Source: http://feeds.examiner.ie/~r/iesportsblog/~3/exNjVQgro2E/post.aspx
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