The World Cup - Ireland's story so far.

Across on the other wing, Damien Duff has been restored to his favourite position. On his day, Duff is one of the finest left-wingers in the game, although he does neglect his defensive duties more than is healthy. On balance, he gives us so much going forward that it’s worth it. Curiously, he was not a regular in the Chelsea team, and the arrival of Arjen Robben may mean that Duff considers his options come January. He did not stamp his authority on either of Ireland’s games, although he did embark on a few trademark mazy runs. Duff has natural talent in abundance, and once he gets some much needed match practice, he will be a menace to all opposing defences.

Our midfield pairing has proved problematic, but with the return of you-know-who, we should at least be more solid. While Kenny Cunningham retains the captaincy, it is difficult to imagine Keane deferring to him or anyone else on the pitch. In the Switzerland game, his confrontation with Hakan Yakin showed that the spirit was still there, even if the body was past its prime. We can expect Keane to impose himself on future games more than he did against Switzerland. Again it has to be remembered that this was his first game back after fracturing three of his ribs. Kerr has reported himself pleased with the role Keane has taken on within the squad, acting as mentor to some of the younger players. He is a natural leader and is the sort of professional that any up and coming player should respect and listen to. Kerr is wise to make use of this. Perhaps some of Keane’s physical abilities have waned, but he now brings other gifts to the table.

The question is, who gets to partner him? Graham Kavanagh acquitted himself well against Cyprus, but there is obviously a good reason why he is in his thirties and can count his full starts on the fingers of one hand. He is squad cover, and must surely rank below Holland and Miller, once they are both fit. Along with Holland and Miller, Kevin Kilbane is staking a claim to a midfield berth also. “Killer” (oh the irony…) does not have the positional sense or passing ability to make it as a central midfielder in a full strength Ireland squad. His work rate is second to none, and he offers additional aerial threats, but even so. Expect Liam Miller to give Matt Holland a good fight for that second spot, particularly if Miller manages to get regular football with Manchester United.

Defensively, Cunningham and O’Brien seem to have nailed down the 2 centre-half slots. Cunningham is our best defender since Paul McGrath, and shares the Black Pearl’s positional sense. Unfortunately he also shares one of his few shortcomings – he is not vocal enough on the pitch. Cunningham is an excellent reader of the game – he just needs to pass this knowledge on to those around him. Liam O’Brien has finally been rewarded for his stalwart service to Newcastle United. The Toon Army is a tough crowd to please, but O’Brien has been high in their affections since he arrived, and Bobby Robson has described him as one of his finest signings.

Bubbling under are Gary Breen and Gary Doherty. Doherty is solid and workmanlike and would probably muddle his way through most games, but he does not have that extra ability you expect from an international. Gary Breen has an uncanny ability to perform at the level of his opposition. Thus he would probably give a barnstorming performance against France and proceed to tackle himself against Cyprus. We can’t afford the risk.

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