Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has named his 23 squad for the European Championships in Ukraine and Poland.
There were few surprises in the Italian’s selection, as he has gone with tried and tested players from the qualification campaign.
Missing
The Republic of Ireland will be missing Wigan midfielder James McCarthy, who pulled out of the squad due to his father being diagnosed with cancer.
The youngster will be a big miss for the Irish as he is one of the few players that gives the team something different from midfield.
Also missing is Norwich midfield playmaker Wes Hoolahan. The 29 year-old has been in outstanding form for Norwich and has helped them to midtable security in the Premier League this season. He is another player that can create from midfield and is slightly different to the likes of Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews.
If I was Ireland boss I would definitely have included the midfielder in my squad. He doesn’t offer the same solidity as Andrews or Whelan in midfield but he is a far brighter on the ball and more creative.
Standby
Everton full-back/winger Seamus Coleman is on the standby list for the tournament. The 23 year-old has struggled with injuries all season and hasn’t played many games in recent weeks. It’s not a surprise that he is only on the standby list.
The likes of Darren Randolph, Paul McShane, Paul Green and Andy Keogh join him on the list of possible squad replacements.
Solid
Like most Giovanni Trapattoni teams Republic of Ireland are very well organised and solid at the back. The team qualified for the tournament by trying to avoid defeat first and then trying to snatch a goal on the break, which worked really well for them.
A lot of people thought that Trapattoni may play a more expansive game at the tournament but by his squad selection it looks like it could be more of the same in Ukraine and Poland.
Exciting
The only relative newcomer to the squad is Sunderland winger James McClean. The youngster only made his debut for Ireland in February but has been selected in the squad. McClean is an exciting talent and maybe he can provide a bit of flair to the very functional Ireland team.
The 22 year-old has flourished at Sunderland since the arrival of Martin O’Neill, after initially struggling to get in the first team under Steve Bruce. McClean has the pace and power to worry any defence and could be Ireland’s secret weapon at the tournament.
Difficult
The Republic of Ireland face a difficult task ahead of them in qualifying from the group stages at Euro 2012. The Republic is regarded as the underdogs of Group C, as they face Croatia, Spain and Italy.
It will be regarded as a big achievement if Trapattoni’s men manage to qualify for the knockout stages. They are hard to beat but their problem may be finding the creativity to get past the Italian, Spanish and Croatian defences.
Correct
Giovanni Trapattoni has done a fantastic job as Republic of Ireland boss and deserves immense credit for getting the Emerald Isle this far. The Italian has a very small pool of players to chose from and I think he has probably chosen the correct squad, apart from the omission of Wes Hoolahan.
Proud
Under Trapattoni I have no doubts that the Republic of Ireland will head to the European Championships in good heart and won’t let the travelling green army down. Unfortunately I just think that their opponents will have too much for Ireland.
Whatever happens from here on in the Republic of Ireland players can be proud of themselves for qualifying for Euro 2012. And no matter what happens at the tournament I’m sure the Irish fans will give their all for the team as always.
Has Giovanni Trapattoni picked the correct squad for Euro 2012?
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
