The Republic of Ireland has been starved of success for quite some time now. Their last outing in the World Cup finals came way back in 2002 under Mick McCarthy’s stewardship. With nothing but a cameo at the 2016 Euros under Martin O’Neill, it’s safe to say that Ireland hasn’t had the best of times in recent years.
Unfortunately for fans, their Northern counterparts have had more success in recent years, qualifying for the 2016 Euros and looking more likely to follow that up a year later. In 2017, Northern Ireland started the 2018 World Cup qualifiers on fire, with victories over Norway and the Czech Republic. However, they couldn’t continue this momentum and eventually lost to Switzerland in the World Cup Playoffs.
World Cup Qualifiers
The Republic of Ireland, however, missed an excellent opportunity to qualify for the World Cup Finals. It was a relatively easy group for them, with Wales, Austria, Moldova, Serbia, and Georgia standing between them and World Cup Qualification. They snuck into second place with a late win over Wales, which set them up for a playoff game against Denmark.
After a tense first leg, which saw them draw 0-0 in Copenhagen, Denmark would have to travel to Dublin for the second leg. With the home advantage, Ireland was rolled over with a 5-1 loss, ending their hopes of a return to the World Cup. After a dismal showing in the Nations League, Martin O’Neill left his role as national team manager.
Heimir Hallgrimsson – Journeyman
After Mick McCarthy’s return and Stephen Kenny’s three-year stint, Heimir Hallgrimsson found himself in the dugout. The Icelandic manager is something of a journeyman, having managed teams on three different continents throughout his career. Internationally, he has found moderate success with Jamaica in North America.
In the 2023 Gold Cup, Jamaica reached the semi-finals before losing to Mexico, who usually dominates the tournament alongside the USA. Later, they finished third in the CONCACAF Nations League. Along the way, they knocked out Canada, who has also seen something of a resurgence in recent times, before losing to the USA in the semi-finals.
His time with Ireland, as of writing, has been brief, to say the least. He has only managed six games in charge of Ireland, winning two and losing four. Two of those losses came against England in the most recent Nations League tournament. However, losing both games to Greece would’ve raised some eyebrows, with the two sides being evenly matched ability-wise.
The Future of Ireland
Putting the heavy loss to England aside, the future is bright for Ireland, with many young stars hitting their stride ahead of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. With significant game time, many players are claiming a place on the National Team. Young star Finn Azaz, experienced forward Callum Robinson and battling midfielder Jayson Molumby to name a few.
They also have a few players with significant potential still struggling for regular game time. The likes of Evan Ferguson and Kasey McAteer, to name a few. However, “You can’t win anything with kids”, or more like ‘You can’t win anything with “just” kids’…
They will need experienced heads to help guide the younger players through gruelling qualifying competitions. Players like Seamus Coleman, Matt Doherty, Sammie Szmodics, and Callum O’Dowda will have a role to play in the future.
Championship Stars are Shining Bright
Many of these names are currently playing their trade in the second tier of English football. One of them is Bristol City midfielder Jason Knight.
In 34 games this season, Jason Knight has managed three goals and five assists. He also ranks in the 91st percentile for progressive passes and the 90th percentile for Shot-Creating Actions from live-ball passes, with 2.56 per 90 minutes. His passing is very strong, and he also ranks in the 88th percentile for carries into the final third.
Another star is Middlesbrough playmaker Finn Azaz. With 10 goals and 10 assists, he is in the 96th percentile for shot-creating actions and the 97th percentile for progressive passes. He is also in the 98th percentile for key passes, with 2.43 per 90 minutes, and the 96th percentile for Goal-Creating Actions, with 4.68 per 90 minutes.
Azaz is an almighty creator and number 10 who has more than proved he’s good enough for the national team. I would argue that Azaz should be utilised as the focal point of the team, allowing him the freedom to do what he does best: create chances.
The Albion’s Finest
Two players have monumental seasons ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers down at the Hawthorns. Jayson Molumby and Mikey Johnston are in their mid-20s and have accumulated 29 and 13 caps, respectively. However, this season has seen an upturn in both forms as they become vital players in West Bromwich Albion’s playoff hopes.
Whilst only achieving two goals and five assists in 18 starts, Mikey Johnston’s stats show how impressive he has been this season. He’s in the 99th percentile for Shot Creating Actions per 90 minutes and the 94th percentile for progressive passes. His dribbling with the ball is very impressive, with him being in the 98th percentile for progressive carries and 99th percentile for successful take-ons.
His impressive passing numbers show his incredible vision and ability to create chances. He is also in the 99th percentile for goal-creating actions from shots and the 99th percentile for shot-creating actions from take-ons. Mikey will often receive the ball out wide, cut inside, wriggle through defenders, and set himself up for a shot before slotting it into the top corner.
Jayson Molumby has formed a strong midfield partnership with the experienced Alex Mowatt. He is in the 89th percentile for pass completion percentage, with an 86.9% success rate per 90 minutes. He also boasts an impressive 5.81 progressive passes per 90 minutes and 1.86 progressive carriers per 90 minutes, putting him in the 86th and 83rd percentiles, respectively.
Molumby is a relentless workhorse in the midfield. He runs endlessly and is the perfect number 8. He has great passing skills and isn’t afraid to throw himself into a tackle.
Striker Options – Abroad and at Home
Ireland is blessed with many options that can play up front. Players like Troy Parrott, Tom Cannon, Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah have significant potential. However, many of these names need regular game time to reach that potential. Troy Parrott has found that abroad with AZ Alkmaar, whilst Adam Idah is getting decent game time with Celtic, where he has scored eight goals so far.
Evan Ferguson and Tom Cannon have, unfortunately, struggled with game time. Tom Cannon recently had an unsuccessful loan move at Stoke cut short and cannot break into the Sheffield United team. Evan Ferguson has joined West Ham, appearing few and far between for Brighton this season.
Troy Parrott has been a goal machine in the Eredivisie, scoring 12 goals in the league with the 6th-placed side. He is in the 95th percentile for shot-creating actions with 3.82 per 90 minutes. He’s also in the 92nd percentile for tackles, showing he can press from the front. He also boasts four goals in the Europa League this season.
One other option for the forward position is veteran international Callum Robinson. The 30-year-old has 38 caps for Ireland and has had a very strong season with Cardiff. So far, he has scored 12 goals and is in the 96th percentile for shots on target with 1.36 per 90 minutes.
His passing and link-up play are also very good, and he can also play out wide and create for others on the team. He is in the 93rd percentile for progressive passes and 83rd percentile for progressive carries, with 2.36 per 90 minutes and 1.78 per 90 minutes, respectively.
Aerial Monsters in the Prem
Ireland has two incredible centre-back options in Dara O’Shea and Jake O’Brien. Dara O’Shea is currently in his third season in the Premier League with his third club. Last season, he was unable to prevent Burnley’s relegation but was rewarded with a bidding war that saw Ipswich victorious in securing his services.
Unfortunately, it seems like he is in for another relegation with Ipswich struggling this season. However, he has still been impressive and could earn another move away in the summer. He finds himself in the 96th percentile for aerials won and 95th percentile for shots blocked. He is also in the 85th percentile for clearances.
Jake O’Brien has proved to be a vital player in the heart of Everton’s defence. He is in the 99th percentile for clearances, the 98th percentile for aerials won, and the 93rd percentile for the percentage of dribblers tackled per 90 minutes, with 72.7%. He is also very good at playing out from the back, with 4.16 long passes being completed per 90 minutes, putting him in the 87th percentile.
A Solid Spine Takes Shape
In goal, Ireland can call upon Liverpool’s accomplished backup, Caoimhin Kelleher. Although he hasn’t seen much game time for Liverpool, he has done a very solid job whenever he has been called upon.
He is also very comfortable with the ball at his feet, finding himself in the 85th percentile for passes attempted with 35.13 per 90 minutes, which is very useful for playing out from the back.
In front of him, O’Shea and O’Brien will be more than a solid defensive setup. A midfield three, Molumby, Jason Knight, and Azaz, would have the creativity and work rate to dominate the midfield and retain possession. Finally, with Mikey Johnston out wide and a Troy Parrott or Callum Robinson up front, finishing chances would be an incredible foundation for Ireland.
With the amount of creativity on this team, those two would have more than enough opportunities to score. However, you also have the experienced heads of Szmodics and Coleman, who can slot in and lead them through this new wave of exciting footballers.
They Could Do It
The Republic of Ireland has the foundations for a very strong squad. If these players can continue their excellent form at club level and transfer that into their international performances, there is no reason why Ireland can’t stake a claim for at least a playoff spot for the next World Cup.
They find themselves in Group F of the UEFA Qualifiers, facing off against Hungary, Armenia and one of either Portugal or Denmark. This is not an easy group, with Hungary regularly qualifying for major tournaments and Portugal and Denmark with European success to boast.
Their big test will be in Hungary, and getting a result against them will be crucial. If they can do that, then it’s anyone’s game.
I, for one, would be excited if I were an Ireland fan.
