The growth of the Irish League

Two weeks after Giovanni Trapatonni's dismissal, The FAI have appointed RTE (Radio Telefis Eireann) pundit Eamon Dunphy as their new manager.

Eamon has one Irish cap to his name, but is well known around the country for his harsh words in recent times about the Irish team and their style. He was highly critical of former manager Trapatonni labeling him as the man that "Has destroyed Irish football".

The FAI have also announced a press conference will be held tomorrow morning to unveil their new manager and have set him the target of reaching the finals of major tournaments.

Eamon Dunphy has immediately set his own stamp on his new post, even though he was just appointed 24 hours ago.

Dunphy met the press at 11 o clock, sat down with a serious look and began answering questions. The following are the main points from his hour and a half long interview

- Use only players in the Irish League
- Grow the Irish League
- Qualify for Euro 2016

good luck with this, interesting team policies youve set yourself, will be a good challenge

Things will be quite difficult with those policies in place so I wish you the best of luck.

Eamon Dunphy has announced his first Irish 23 man squad, with a friendly arranged against minnows Luxembourg. Dunphy has notably kept to his word, with each member of the squad playing in the Irish Premier Division

Big name players such as LA Galaxy's Robbie Keane and Spartak Moscow's Aiden Mcgeady are among several key names left out, and that well could remain the situation, with Dunphy focused soley on the progress of the country's own league.

"It's vital we start producing players that can play in our own country. Obviously that means fielding weaker sides and possibly seeing negative results but it's a long term plan."

"The Luxembourg game is a good opportunity for the lads to get their debuts in the international game, their a team that we would have expected to beat easily maybe a week ago, but now with the policy I'm going with, it's not going to be easy"

Ireland squad vs Luxembourg

Goalkeepers

Brendan Clark (St.Patricks Athletic)
Barry Murpphy (Shamrock Rovers)
Barry Ryan (Limerick FC)

Defenders

Aidan Lynch (UCD)
Neal Horgan (Cork City)
Johnny Dunleavy (Cork City)
Ian Bermingham (St.Patricks Athletic)
Alan Mcnally (Drogheda Utd)
Aidan Price (St.Patricks Athletic)
Danny O'Connor (Bray Wanderers)

Midfielders

Ross Gaynor (Sligo Rovers)
Iarfhlaith Davoren (Sligo Rovers)
Stephen Rice (Shamrock Rovers)
Christopher Forrester (Sligo Rovers)
Shane Robinson (Shamrock Rovers)
Chris Mulhall (UCD)
Daryl Horgan (Cork City)
Billy Dennehy (Shamrock Rovers)
Killian Brennan (St.Patricks Athletic)
John Mulroy (Bray Wanderers)

Strikers

Anto Flood (Bohemians)
Jason Byrne (Bray Wanderers)
Declan O'Brien (Drogheda)

An Irish League XI were left humiliated at the Aviva Stadium, as Luxembourg managed a very rare international win.

Eamon Dunphy had preached his policy of developing the Irish league, and named a 23 man squad from The Airtricity league. 14 debuts were handed out, the only player who had played some International football was Bray Wanderers striker Jason Byrne, who has earned 2 caps since 2004.

However the tone of the game was set with just 14 seconds in, with Pit Deville managing to chip Brendan Clarke after the first move of the game. Just 15 minutes later Luxembourg doubled their lead after an error from Danny O'Connor allowed Max Agostino to cooly slot home.

The second half was more promising for the Irish, with Jason Byrne coming close on a few occasions. They seemed to lack a cutting edge and Dunphy is immediately under pressure but insists that this is the way forward.

"I said before the game it would be tough, The next year or two will be tough. We need to take 1 step back to take 3 forward. If we can continue the project we are doing in 10/15 years time we could be a powerhouse in world football"

"The lads are gutted they couldn't get a result but we now need to focus on the game against Latvia in 2 months time. I will be attending the games around the league and assessing who I think merits a place in the squad"

I used to manage Brady F.C. :P. Good luck with regaining the Irish's fans?

A late strike from John Mulroy saved Ireland from an unlikely defeat to Latvia.

It was a goalless first half with Ireland mainly on top. Both sides struggled for opportunities but it was the Irish who looked the more likely. On form Shelbourne striker Philip Hughes came closest with a 20 yard free kick which sailed just over the bar.

The second half saw Latvia attack more, and they got their just rewards with what looked like s late winner from Edgars Hacatrjans who fired in just inside the box. The celebrations were short lived however, with substitute John Mulroy volleying just before the full time whistle.

Ireland start their World cup qualifying campaign away in a months time to Faroe Islands

Nice start. Tough targets but I am sure you can do well.

Good luck Dean