Amhrán na bhFiann

John O'Shea named a strong 23-man squad for the Republic of Ireland's fixtures in November. There were two changes from the previous squad, with Newcastle United defender Ciaran Clark and Norwich City striker Adam Idah coming into the squad to replace Darragh Lenihan and Connor Ronan (injured). The remainder of the squad remained unchanged, with the manager showing faith in those who had joined him in the previous two international windows.
Ciaran Clark's inclusion comes after the defender returned from recurring sprained ligament injuries, while Connor Ronan was removed from the squad missed out with a knee ligament injury of his own.

Republic of Ireland (3-4-1-2): C Kelleher; N Collins, S Coleman, C Clark; M Doherty (94'), J Knight (77'), C Hourihane (69'), R Brady (52'); D Crowley (85'); A Connolly , D McGoldrick (69')
Subs Used: E Stevens (52'), J Cullen (69'), S Long (69'), J Molumby (77') , C Robinson (85'), K Long (94')
Manager: John O'Shea

Slovakia (4-2-3-1): M Rodák; P Pekarik, M Skriniar, M Skrtel (90+5'), D Hancko (90+5'); S Lobotka (90+5'), M Hamsik; R Mak (7'), O Duda , V Weiss (45+4') ; J Kucka
Subs Used: A Rusnak (7', 90+1') , N Spalek (45+4'), S Mráz (90+1'), D Vavro (90+5'), B Sekulic (90+5'), R Bozenik (90+5')
Manager: Stefan Tarkovic

Aviva Stadium had become a circus for this important European Championship qualification fixture, with the Irish fans parading Dublin for the entire day prior to the fixture. The home fans had a new-found belief in their side, following a strong spell of results under rookie manager John O'Shea. The singing and the roaring from Dublin could be heard all the way from London, as the home fans showed their passion and enthusiasm for the game.

The game swung in Ireland's favour from early on as Slovakia star Andrej Duda was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Robbie Brady, putting the away side on the back foot from the off. However, despite the extra man advantage, Ireland couldn't find a breakthrough in the ninety minutes of the game. Aaron Connolly and substitute Shane Long had come close late on, but Slovakia held on to force extra time in the playoff final.

The Republic of Ireland looked envigorated and, bouyed by the support of their fans, scored the breakthrough goal just before the 100 minute mark. Skillful attacker Callum Robinson made and scored the opening goal as he ran with the ball from his own half and into the box before finishing calmly to send the home fans into absolute raptures. A second Irish goal followed shortly after, with Ciaran Clark heading home a corner to secure Ireland's passage to next summer's European Championship finals.

Wales (4-2-3-1): D Ward; C Roberts, E Ampadu (76'), J Rodon, B Davies ; A Ramsey, J Morrell (64'); H Wilson (59'), D Brooks (69'), G Bale; T Roberts (76')
Subs Used: T Lawrence (59'), A King (69'), C Mepham (76'), L Evans (76') , K Moore (76')
Manager: Ryan Misogynist Giggs

Republic of Ireland (3-4-1-2): C Kelleher; N Collins , J Egan, K Long ; M Doherty (69'), J Molumby (71'), C Hourihane (48'), E Stevens (56'); D Crowley (48'); S Long, A Connolly
Subs Used: A Power (48'), J Knight (48'), R Brady (56'), S Coleman (69'), J Cullen (71')
Manager: John O'Shea

Following a thrilling game in Dublin, the Republic of Ireland participated in another spectacle in Cardiff. The rival game in the penultimate round of Nations League fixtures ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw as both teams fired on all cylinders. Ireland's Shane Long was the star man of the game, as he scored a superb hat trick to earn a share of the spoils for the visitors.

Republic of Ireland (4-2-3-1): G Bazunu; S Coleman (51') , J Egan, C Clark (86') , E Stevens (66'); J Cullen , A Power; C Robinson (54'), D McGoldrick (74'), R Brady; A Idah
Subs Used: M Doherty (51'), D Crowley (54'), S Long (66'), J Knight (74'), S Duffy (86')
Manager: John O'Shea

Bulgaria (4-2-3-1): P Iliev; Cicinho (77'), K Dimitrov (85') , P Zanev, A Nedyalkov; K Malinov (81'), I Chochev; T Nedelev, B Tsonev (66') , K Despedov; A Galabinov (85')
Subs Used: B Kraev (66'), S Popov (77'), G Milanov (81'), S Velkov (85'), I Isa (85')
Manager: Yasen Petrov

Following two high-octane fixtures, John O'Shea switched up his lineup and tactical approach for Ireland's final game of the November international window. Republic of Ireland returned to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with youngsters Gavin Bazunu and Adam Idah among those drafted into the starting eleven. The drastic change in personnel possibly worked in Bulgaria's favour, and the away side scored within the opening ten minutes through Despedov. An exhausted Ireland side had to dig dep to get a result - and they got the win they wanted in the end. John Egan scored on the half-hour mark with his first goal for Ireland, before young striker Adam Idah scored the winner in the second half with his first goal for Ireland.

Following a shakey start to the campaign, the Republic of Ireland pulled back to top the group with a smashing run to finish the campaign. The group win means the Republic of Ireland are promoted to the UEFA Nations League Division A for the next Nations League fixtures.

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02/12/2021 The Republic of Ireland were handed a very challenging UEFA European Championship group ahead of next summer's tournament. The Irish side were drawn with three-time winners Spain, high-flying Croatia and a familiar foe in Wales. Bookies have not been too kind to Ireland's chances, with John O'Shea's side expected to finish the group in fourth position.

Irish fans will be looking forward to the opportunity for revenge against Spain and Croatia, who both defeated the Republic of Ireland in the European Championship group stage in 2012. The Irish supporters will also be excited about the opportunity to play against Wales once more - a side that has been involved in many fiery contests with the Irish recently, with the most recent result between the two being a 4-4 draw in the Nations League at Cardiff.

On paper, the Irish are the weakest side of the four in the group. Their FIFA World Ranking of 29th is lower than that of the other three - with Spain ranked 7th, Croatia 10th and Wales 22nd. Ireland will be hoping to climb a few places in March's internationals, but will undoubtedly be up against the odds next summer.

The Republic of Ireland will first travel to Bilbao in Spain to face the much-fancied Spanish side before returning to Dublin for games against Croatia and Wales, where the Irish will have an important home advantage at the Aviva Stadium. Republic of Ireland will be hoping their home advantage will play a key role in two important fixtures, and potentially help them to a place in the knockout rounds.

The top two teams in each group will automatically qualify to the Last Sixteen of the competition next summer. They will be joined by the four best performing third placed teams among the six groups. For Ireland to get among the top three in their group, and be in with a chance of progressing to the next round, they will likely need to win at least one of their group games.

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The Republic of Ireland were handed a very favorable draw in the UEFA's FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The Irish were drawn into Group A with Iceland, Israel, Kazakhstan and Poland. Only Poland (16th) are ranked higher than the Irish in the FIFA World Rankings.

The qualifiers will begin in March with a triple-header, with Ireland travelling to Kazakhstan and Israel either side of a home game against Poland. Ireland will be looking to walk away with at least six points from these fixtures in order to lay down a marker, with the games also providing an opportunity for players in the squad to show why they should start in next summer's European Championship finals.

Top place in each of the qualification groups will guarantee automatic qualification to next year's FIFA World Cup in Qatar, while a second place finish would allow for a spot in the qualification playoffs for a second chance to qualify. Ireland will be aiming for top spot, but will have stern competition in the form of Poland and Iceland.

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John O'Shea made two changes to his 23-man squad since last November's internationals. Robbie Brady and Alan Power were left out of the squad, with youngsters Dennis Cirkin and Troy Parrott drafted into replace them. Dennis Cirkin had impressed enormously on loan at Sunderland in the EFL League One, while Troy Parrott's performances at Ipswich Town in the same division had not gone without notice.

Cirkin and Parrott had each played one game for Ireland previously and will be hoping to add to that in Ireland's three competitive fixtures this international window. Question marks remain over who will start in goals for Ireland, with Kelleher and Randolph not playing regularly for their clubs.

Kazakhstan (4-1-4-1): S Pokatilov; R Bauer (87'), N Alip, T Erlanov (79'), G Sulimbaev (87'); A Abilken; D Miroshnichenko (62'), A Merkel (79'), B Islamkhan, B Zainutdinov; A Aimbetov
Subs Used: A Beisebekov (62'), A Marochkin (79'), R Murtazaev (79'), T Dosmagembetov (87'), W Evseev (87')
Manager: Michal Bilek

Republic of Ireland (3-4-1-2): C Kelleher; S Duffy, J Egan, K Long; M Doherty , J Molumby (73'), C Hourihane, E Stevens (58'); J Knight (78'); A Connolly (66'), D McGoldrick (84')
Subs Used: D Cirkin (58'), S Long (66'), D Crowley (73'), C Robinson (78'), T Parrott (84')
Manager: John O'Shea

The Republic of Ireland's first game of the qualification round was a long trip to Kazakhstan. With tired legs from club football, Ireland found it difficult to break down a stury Kazakh team. A David McGoldrick penalty goal split the two teams, giving John O'Shea's team an invaluable three points.

Republic of Ireland (3-4-1-2): C Kelleher; N Collins, J Egan, K Long ; S Coleman , J Cullen, C Hourihane (52'), E Stevens (81'); J Knight (49'); S Long (68'), D McGoldrick (52')
Subs Used: C Robinson (49'), J Molumby (52'), T Parrott (52'), A Connolly (68'), D Cirkin (81')
Manager: John O'Shea

Poland (4-2-3-1): W Szczesny; T Kedziora (90+2'), K Glik, S Walukiewicz (87'), M Rybus; P Zielinski (82'), M Klich (72'); K Grosicki (72'), S Szymanski, K Jozwiak ; R Lewandowski
Subs Used: G Krychowiak (72'), A Mierzejewski (72'), K Linetty (82'), M Kaminski (87'), B Bereszynski (90+2')
Manager: Paulo Sousa

Republic of Ireland's second qualifier was against their toughest opponent - Poland. The away side featured world class talent Piotr Zielinski and Robert Lewandowski, and dominated large periods of the first half. A Kamil Jozwiak goal gave the Polish team a half-time lead but it was a goal that fired up the Irish who let rip in the second half. Enda Stevens equalised with a low drive from the left of the box before Aaron Connolly got on the end of a deflected cross to score a very late winner for Ireland, sending the fans at the Aviva Stadium into a euphoric hysteria.

Israel (4-2-3-1): O Marciano; E Dasa (63') , N Bitton , M Bareiro , S Goldberg ; B Natcho, E Kartsev (58'); L Abada (63'), E Zahavi (45+4'), M Solomon; Y Cohen (51')
Subs Used: D Haziza (45+4'), S Weissman (51'), D Peretz (58') , E Almog (63'), D Glazer (63')
Manager: Willi Ruttensteiner

Republic of Ireland (3-4-1-2): C Kelleher; S Duffy , J Egan, K Long ; S Coleman, D Crowley (70'), J Cullen (69'), D Cirkin (58') ; C Robinson (70'); A Connolly, S Long (60')
Subs Used: E Stevens (58'), T Parrott (60'), C Hourihane (69'), J Knight (70'), D McGoldrick (70')
Manager: John O'Shea

Following two gruelling fixtures, the Republic of Ireland had an easier time against Israel in Jerusalem. Ireland cut the hosts open on the counter attack regularly, with both strikers firing on all cylinders. An Aaron Connolly brace and a Shane Long hat trick were supplemented by goals from Kevin Long and Dan Crowley as Ireland scored seven goals against Israel. Kartsev's goal for the hosts was forgotten in a truly one-sided game. It was a dominant display from the Republic of Ireland, and their seven goal haul was their biggest since scoring seven against Gibraltar in 2014.

The Republic of Ireland's nine point tally from their opening three games put them in strong stead following the opening set of fixtures. Poland had two wins to their name, while Iceland also had a win to their name, in a group where there was expectation for a three-horse race for qualification. Ireland will be hoping to add to their points tally in their next qualifier, which will be at home to Kazakhstan in September.

Republic of Ireland manager John O'Shea mamed his 30-man preliminary squad for the European Championship this summer. With the preliminary squad set to be whittled down to a final 23-man squad tomorrow, we take a look at the statistical performance of the preliminary squad this season by position.

Among the four goalkeepers called up, only Gavin Bazunu and Kieran O'Hara played regularly for their club throughout the season. Both plied their trade in the third tier of English football, Bazunu doing so on loan from Manchester City, notching up nearly 50 appearances each in all competitions. Caoimhin Kelleher and Darren Randolph, in comparison, played far less regularly for their Premier League clubs.

Of the four players, O'Hara was perhaps the best performer, but has not played for the Republic of Ireland's senior team under John O'Shea yet. With the goalkeeper position perhaps the most sensitive one in football, O'Hara's performances may not have been enough for him to break into the final squad for this competition, but will surely be considered for future competitions.

With the Republic of Ireland likely to play in a 3-4-1-2 formation, John O'Shea might be tempted to call up all six central defenders in the preliminary squad. Of the six defenders in the squad currently, only Newcastle's Ciaran Clark has had a notably poor season. Shane Duffy has impressed in Scottish football, while young defender Nathan Collins looks like a shoe-in for a key role in the squad for a long spell.

The wing back options have been a topic of discussion for a while. Of the six in the squad, only Christie, Cirkin, Doherty and Stevens have played very regularly. Coleman's performances for Everton have been lacking, but will probably earn a call-up due to his leadership role in the squad, while all of Robbie Brady's club appearances this season have come as a substitute.

Ireland's wing backs are required to provide regular attacking threat, which would make Matt Doherty and Enda Stevens the ideal starters for the Irish side this summer, with Cyrus Christie and Dennis Cirkin as backup. Will O'Shea pick his squad based on performances, or will Coleman make the squad based on his importance in the dressing room?

John O'Shea included eight midfielders in his preliminary squad, including the recently unfavoured Jeff Hendrick. Each of Hendrick's appearances for Newcastle this season came as a substitute, and he is unlikely to make the final cut. Each of the others played far more regularly for their clubs, including Connor Ronan and Josh Cullen who played for Anderlecht and Grasshopper Zurich.

If creativity is on the agenda, Hourihane, Knight and Ronan will be shoe-ins to make the final squad. Josh Cullen is likely to make it into the squad due to his brilliant all-round performances, while Jayson Molumby and Dan Crowley could provide talent.

O'Shea included six forwards in his preliminary squad, including legendary striker Shane Long. Shane Long and Troy Parrott enjoyed fine goal scoring seasons in the Championship and League One respectively, while Adam Idah also impressed. Ireland have been short on consistent goal scorers in recent years and will be hoping those called up can produce the goods.

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The Republic of Ireland's preparations for the upcoming Euros began with manager John O'Shea naming his final 23-man squad for the tournament. There were a number of surprise exclusions, with Ciaran Clark, Robbie Brady and Callum Robinson among those who didn't make the final cut. O'Shea showed his faith in youth, naming eleven players under the age of 24, while there was also space for veterans Darren Randolph, Seamus Coleman, Shane Long and David McGoldrick.



As part of their preparations for the tournament, the Republic of Ireland played two friendlies in Dublin to warm up - against Argentina and Denmark. The games were to provide an opportunity for players to push for a starting role in the Euro games against Spain, Croatia and Wales.

Republic of Ireland (3-4-1-2): G Bazunu; N Collins, J Egan, K Long (59') ; M Doherty (75'), J Molumby (68'), C Hourihane (75') , E Stevens; J Knight (75'); A Connolly, S Long (75')
Subs Used: D Lenihan (59'), D Crowley (68'), S Coleman (75'), J Cullen (75'), D McGoldrick (75'), T Parrott (75')
Manager: John O'Shea

Argentina (4-1-3-2): E Andrada (68'); N Otamendi (56'), G Pezzella (56'), C Romero (68'), N Tagliafico; L Paredes ; R De Paul (45+3'), L Messi, E Palacios; L Martínez (45+3'), S Aguero
Subs Used: G Rodríguez (45+3'), S Ascacíbar (45+3'), J Foyth (56'), G Montiel (56'), J Musso (68'), W Kannemann (68')
Manager: Lionel Scaloni

The Republic of Ireland's first warm-up friendly ahead of the Euros was against a star-studded Argentina team. The visitors boasted the likes of Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez and Sergio Aguero in their starting eleven but, for all their attacking threat, their defence was frail and exposed throughout. A motivated Irish side, in front of a home support looking forward to the upcoming tournament, tormented Argentina's flanks time-and-time again, with Enda Stevens and Aaron Connolly scoring in the first half. Ireland could have scored more than the two goals with a glut of good chances created, but will move on to the next friendly with another win in their bank.

Republic of Ireland (3-4-1-2): C Kelleher; N Collins (81'), D Lenihan, K Long; S Coleman (81'), J Molumby (51') , C Hourihane (73'), D Cirkin; D Crowley (64'); A Idah, D McGoldrick (61')
Subs Used: J Cullen (51'), T Parrott (61'), C Ronan (64'), J Knight (73'), S Duffy (81'), M Doherty (81')
Manager: John O'Shea

Denmark (4-2-3-1): K Schmeichel; R Nissen Kristensen (80'), S Kjaer, J Andersen (90'), J Maehle; PE Hojbjerg, T Delaney; R Skov (75'), C Eriksen, J Bruun Larsen (80'); K Dolberg (80')
Subs Used: M Braithwaite (75'), D Wass (80'), P Sisto (80'), Y Poulsen (80'), A Christensen (90')
Manager: Kasper Hjulmand

Republic of Ireland faced a familiar foe in Denmark in their second friendly prior to the Euros, and they fought a tough game. There were no goals in the first half in a nervy affair, but the game exploded in the second half. Adam Idah scored the opener clinically and, just a moment after Poulsen had a goal disallowed for offside, Connor Ronan killed off the game with his first ever goal for Ireland.

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