As the Trappatoni-era is about to begin, there are some problems
that need to be sorted out. Steve Finnan and Andy O’Brien must be
persuaded to come back and the Stephen Ireland saga must end
soon.  However, looking at our squad, we have more than enough to
mount a serious challenge at qualifying for the World Cup in 2010.

Roy Keane has certainly created his own little Irish team at Wearside.
It is a big plus that Sunderland will be in the Premier League next
season with no more than 8 Irish players in his squad. Andy Reid has
looked terrific each time he has played, Daryl Murphy’s confidence and
ability is improving and Roy O’Donovan looks to have plenty of
potential.

However, Keane has had problems with Liam Miller and Anthony Stokes,
who both look to have been frozen out. Paul Mc Shane has lost his place
to Johnny Evans. Ian Harte and David Connelly don’t seem to be up to
Premier League standards and don’t have a future in the Irish team.

This season has to go down as the worst one in Shay Given’s career. He
has been part of the disastrous season with the Magpies and has not
been involved in the recent resurgence due to injury. However, any time
Given puts on the Irish jersey, he seems to excel.

The exact opposite can be said for Ireland’s  captain. Robbie Keane has
had the best season of his career. His partnership with Berbatov is
unrivalled in the Premier League and without them they could arguably
be fighting relegation due to their dreadful defence.

He won his first major trophy against Chelsea in the League Cup and
anyone that was watching saw that there was no prouder man in Wembley
than Keane that day. Can he produce the same form for Ireland under
Trappatoni? Only time will tell but he needs a decent strike partner.

Kevin Doyle has suffered from the so called “second season syndrome”
and has struggled for goals this season. His team-mate has impressed
and Stephen Hunt continues to be one of the un-sung heroes in the
Premier League. His form must please Trappatoni. Shane Long has had a
similar season as last, only making a few appearances here and there
and looking ok.

John O’Shea has found it hard to get in the Man United team this year.
With many centre midfielders and a defence that have been magnificent
this season, the Waterford man has struggled to nail down a place.
However, he has played 36 times and continues to be a useful back-up
player.

Many people believe that O’ Shea is the man to play along side Richard
Dunne, who is  one of the best centre backs in the Premier League.

He has had another fantastic season for Manchester City. He played out
of his skin in the two Manchester Derbies and at home to Liverpool. He
makes the odd mistake but he is the first name that Trappatoni writes
down on his first team-sheet.

Stephen Ireland has missed the past few Ireland games for personal
reasons and must be brought back. He is our best central midfielder and
has been one of the unsung heroes in the City team. His quality of
passing is right up there with anyone in the Premier League and he will
be a big player in the next few years for the Boys in Green.

Liam Brady is attempting to get Andy O’Brien and Steve Finnan back in the international fold.

However, Benitez has played Carragher right back, to accommodate new
signing Skrtel, meaning Finnan has lost his place. Also, it looks like
Andy O’ Brien will be playing Championship football next season and has
been quite ordinary.

Kevin Kilbane has found a new position this season at left back and he
has performed really well ,and will surely keep his remarkable record
of playing 45 consecutive competitive games.

Lee Carsley may have had his personal best season for Everton and is
one of the reasons that they are having a great season. In the SPL,
Aidan McGeady has had a fantastic season and is attracting
interest from Premier League clubs.

Also, in the Championship, Clinton
Morrison, Andy Keogh and Liam Lawrence have shone for their clubs and
will surely be in Trappatoni’s plans for the World Cup Qualifiers
Overall, Ireland have enough quality in the squad to at least finish
second in their group. Italy are obvious favourites and Bulgaria will
pose a threat but with an experienced manager and a talented squad of
players, Ireland have a decent chance to qualify.

- Scott Lawless